 By Pepper Parr
March 21, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Whenever there is anything to do with the Solid Gold adult entertainment operation in Aldershot there will be an audience.
Things were not any different last night when Darko Vranich and his team were on hand to speak to and support their application for changes to the current Official Plan, and a change to the current zoning on the site to permit the construction of two apartment buildings that with a total of 450 units.
 View from the south west corner of the site Residents packed the East Plains Road United Church where planners from Bousfield, a Planning consultancy and the project architect explained what the project was about and why it should be approved.
Most in the audience didn’t share their views.
The only thing there was agreement on was that the adult entertainment operation had to go. Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven isn’t particularly proud of one of the busier commercial establishments in the ward – an opportunity to put something else on the 3 acre site is something he might welcome.
The residents weren’t all that keen on what was put in front of them.
 The view is from the intersection of Cooke Avenue and Plains Road The Planning department took the audience through the process:
A public neighbourhood meeting.
A Statutory public meeting at city hall
Staff analyses the application
A report to city council Planning and Development Committee (P&D) that either recommends, does not recommend or asks for modifications.
The P&D committee meeting recommendations go to city council where a decision is made to approve or not approve the requested changes in the Official Plan and zoning changes.
The rules call for 874 parking spaces – Vrancor, the developer proposed 581 which led one resident to tell the audience that there would be parking wars without more parking space.
There were a number of concerns expressed by the residents – parking spaces, height and massing: the ground floor of the two buildings, which will be commercial space, would be set back just six feet from the sidewalk – that isn’t likely to get past the city planners.
There was no park space in the proposal.
The development is at the corner of Plains Road and Cooke Street. The 12 storey apartment building will run along Cooke; the ten storey will run along Plains Road.
58% of the units will be two bedroom units, 40% will be 1 bedroom.
 Darko Vranich on the left with his team. Besides wanting to get rid of the Solid Gold operation what the people of the west end of Aldershot want most is a supermarket. If Darko Vranich could deliver on a supermarket in the building the residents might let him have a 15 storey building.
One resident asked the Vrancor people what the benefit to the community was for approving the development would be. The answer was: “You would be getting rid of Solid Gold”
Judy Worsley, Executive Director – Aldershot Village BIA told the audience that a supermarket is probably not in the cards. She explained that Loblaws has announced that it is closing 22 stores in Ontario and that the future model is going to be one where people order grocery items on line and pick their order at a GO station kiosk.
Vranich told the Gazette that he has talked to every supermarket operator that will take his call to see if he could convince them to locate in the development – no takers so far. “If you know of anyone who might be interested, have them call me please” said Vranich.
Related new story:
The new model for grocery shopping.
By Staff
March 21, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The 911 service is much h more than a telephone number you call when there is an emergewncy. Behind that number is a group of people who take the call and manage the emergency. They are referred to as 911 communicators.
The Halton Regional Police is hosting an open house for persons interested in a career as a 9-1-1 Communicator.
The session will be both informative and interactive allowing potential applicants to learn of the applicant process, training involved and essential skills needed for success in the role.
 The telephone set has buttons that put a 911 communicator in direct communications with other public safety agencies in an second. The introduction session is on Thursday April 12th – 7 pm – 8:30 pm – at the Halton Regional Police Service Headquarters.
Space is extremely limited so register early to ensure your attendance.
Interested registrants are asked to email Steve Van Dyk at
steve.vandyk@haltonpolice.ca
Related news stories:
High tech and at times very fast paced.
Dispatching police officers to a scene can get very hectic.
 By Pepper Parr
March 21, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
My friend James Burchill, the shameless self-promoter and Master of the Side Hustle has a new gig.
He takes people out for a drive in his neat little Smart Car and does a video interview with his passenger.
The camera is mounted on the dashboard.
 Mayor explaining the honorific that should be used when he is being addressed. The come on James uses is the cup of coffee he is going to buy you; I’ve yet to see anyone with a cup of coffee in their hands.
The interviews run for about six to seven minutes; there have been a few that are actually memorable.
There is one coming up – it will be “premiered” on Friday.
James convinced the Mayor to take the drive. The really short clip is HERE. The Mayor comes across as a much more relaxed guy on this video. Rock Goldring has this need to use his hands to make his point – when he isn’t doing that he holds them in front of him so they don’t get away.
But in the front passenger seat of a car there isn’t much he can do with his hands so he has to rely on facial expressions and so we get to see a different Rick Goldring.
It really is worth watching.
The full interview will be shown on Friday.
 By Pepper Parr
March 20th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a very nice drawing. Architects and planner call them renderings. They are used by the real estate agents selling property and frequently they don’t reflect what the end product is going to look like.
The Gazette has used the drawings on a number of occasions.
 A rendering out of the fertile mind of someone in the city’s planning department? It didn’t come from the developer that owns the land. Corner of Lakeshore Road and Brant Street. We were both surprised and a little stunned when we learned that while the property at the north east corner of Brant and Lakeshore is owned by the Molinaro Group – the rendering wasn’t produced by the Molinaro’s.
What? – you might ask.
Apparently the city planning department didn’t ask the Molinaro people for permission to put together a rendering – they just did it.
During a recent city council meeting there was considerable discussion on how high a building on that site should be? The debate had the height swinging from 23 then down to 17 then down to 15 and then down to 12 and then back up to 17.
The Molinaro Group owns the land but they say they haven’t even decided who the architect on the project might be.
 The rendering that reflects the thinking of the planning department – the owner of the property knows nothing about it and didn’t authorize it creation or use. They are busy completing the Paradigm on Fairview and getting ready to start work on Brock 2 and continuing their discussions with the planners on their Brant/Ghent development that is working its way through the planning department.
When that fellow to the south of us (the American President) told some of his supporters that he just made up the international trade figures he gave to our Prime Minister we shrugged – that what he does; tells lies because he doesn’t know what the truth is.
 Has that habit worked its way across the border and into the Burlington Planning department?
Just asking.
Salt with Pepper are the opinions, musings and reflections of the Publisher of the Burlington Gazette
By Staff
March 20th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The easiest way to get this story out is to report that after deciding to close two of Burlington’s seven high schools the trustees will decide on Wednesday if they want to go forward with the building of a new administrative building at a cost of $23 million plus some ongoing financing that will have to be taken on.
The recommendation the trustees are going to debate is:
Be it resolved that the Halton District School Board direct the Director of Education to initiate the construction of a new administrative building on the J.W. Singleton Education Centre property, pending Ministry approval.
 Director of Education Stuart Miller has put forward a staff recommendation to construct a new Board administration building. In a report to the trustees Director of Education Stuart Miller set out the conclusion that he and his Superintendents arrive at goes like this:
The Halton District School Board is the largest single employer in the entire Halton region. With more than 8000 full and part time employees serving 65,000 students and their families, it is clear the Halton District School Board is a very significant part of the Region of Halton. Moreover, dozens of Halton-based businesses employing a multitude of Halton residents do business with and provide services to the Board, its students and its staff. With a budget of more than $760 million, it is also apparent the Board and its employees contribute greatly to the local economy.
 If the trustees follow the staff recommendation Burlington will see a new multi storey structure at the north west intersection of Upper Middle Road and Guelph Line. The staff who currently work in the J.W. Singleton Education Centre, New Street Education Centre and the Milton Learning Centre are vital to the work of the schools. Halton students and graduates are served very well by their teachers, educational assistants, school administrators and all school- based support staff. Indeed, Halton District School Board students perform consistently at or near the top when compared to other boards across the province.
This cannot occur without the support of those who work in the various Board offices. Vital operations such as information technology, payroll, human resources, purchasing, facility services, library services, academic consulting, student services (special education), financial services, senior management and the functions of the Board of Trustees all occur centrally. Each of these services, and more, provide essential support for both the achievement and well-being of the Halton District School Board’s students. The role of all central support staff is crucial to the continued success of all Halton District School Board students.
 Photographs of current administrative offices at the Singleton Centre on Guelph Line. The current facilities that accommodate these staff are inadequate. There is insufficient space and the condition of the current buildings are found wanting. To meet the current needs, including AODA compliance, would require a significant investment of millions of dollars. In addition, retrofitting or renovations would result in the displacement of hundreds of personnel and several school operations.
The need for an administrative centre that provides a modern, efficient building that is fully accessible and adaptable to future needs, will have a positive impact on professional relationships, operations and ultimately student learning and well-being.
In the fall of 2017 the Halton Regional Police Services moved into a new headquarters on North Service Road. The building itself cost $54 million and was built on Region-owned land. This new headquarters will serve the police services and ultimately the citizens of Halton well into the future.
A new Halton District School Board education centre will serve the same purpose for the tens of thousands of students we serve, well into the future.
 New Regional Police HQ – due to be opened in the very near future. Like the Halton Regional Police Services headquarters, which was situated on regional land, the new HDSB administrative centre would be placed on Board property. This will result in a savings of approximately $5.6 to $8.8 million dollars, as land would not have to be purchased. It is also more efficient and would allow the project to be started and completed in a shorter time period.
It is for these reasons staff are recommending a new education centre be constructed on the site of the current administrative centre, subject to the required approvals.
How did the Board get to this point and have you heard anything about it from your school board trustee?
The Halton District School Board has grown to 65,000 students, an increase of 35% in student population during the past 10 years. This has resulted in a corresponding increase in staff across the system. There are currently 388 staff assigned to both the J.W. Singleton Centre and New Street Education Centre. This number has increased during the years and will continue to increase, as enrolment grows, in order to provide support and oversight to ensure schools operate effectively.
Because of this growth, staff have been engaged in a study of accommodation needs of central administrative Board staff.
 Architects schematic of what would go where in a new School Board administrative building. A February 4, 2015 initiated a review to determine if the Board offices are adequate to carry out the current and future functions of the Board. This report identified Snyder and Associates Inc. as the consultant to lead this study. Two phases were outlined. Phase one was a comprehensive needs assessment followed by phase two which provided options for consideration to address the needs identified in phase one.
A report to the Board in June 24, 2015 outlined the results of phase one, confirming that the current administrative spaces are inadequate to accommodate the current and growing needs of central staff and the functions they perform.
The second phase was a February 17, 2017 report that highlighted ideal proximity of departments for optimal synergies and the importance of centralizing all administrative functions of the Board at one site, ideally geographically central in the Board. The report confirmed the current practice of accommodating staff through reorganization and/or minor modifications/ renovations of current space is not a long term solution. Spaces are cramped, lacking privacy, meeting space is inappropriate, building systems are outdated and accessibility remains an issue.
The report identified the need for a facility that:
• is flexible and adaptable to future needs
• encourages collaboration and innovation
• provides a safe and inclusive environment
• is fully accessible for staff and the public
• enhances employee well-being to improve employee performance
• enhances community and board wide engagement
The report also outlined general specifications including square footage, cost and the number of staff to be accommodated.
An October 16, 2016 to the reported staff had been in contact with municipalities and a joint facility was not a likely option. Staff had also investigated available vacant land geographically central to the Board and determined there is no readily available vacant land.
The facility would require approximately eight acres of land. The report also outlined possible concept plans for two currently owned administrative centre lands: Gary Allan High School/New Street Education Centre and M.M. Robinson/J.W. Singleton Centre.
E.C. Drury Campus
During the course of the past 14 months, staff have investigated the potential use of the E.C. Drury site. This site is geographically located centrally within the Board which has some obvious advantages. The E.C. Drury site, however, is owned and operated by Provincial Schools. This is a complicating factor and to date staff have not been able to engage in the necessary discussions with the Province (Infrastructure Ontario) that would result in this piece of property being considered a viable option. Any further discussions would likely be long and arduous making this option less than ideal.
Land Availability
The consultants have suggested for a new location, eight acres would be sufficient to accommodate a new administration building. This site size would allow for unknowns such as site configuration, setbacks, easements, and future expansion. The Planning Department, supported by consultants Cushman & Wakefield, has confirmed there is currently very little available land central to the Board, including north Oakville or Milton that would meet the size and configuration requirements of a Board administrative office.
Potential Costs
Building a new facility would cost approximately $32 million (tender portion). The Ministry does not fund new administrative centres nor the acquisition of land for a new administrative facility. The Board must finance the construction and, if desired, land acquisition. The acquisition of property for school sites in North Oakville and Milton range in the $1.4 to $2.0 million per acre range. More specific to the Board’s needs for office/employment land, values in north Oakville or Milton are between $700,000 and $1,100,000 per acre, making the cost to purchase the land alone to be approximately $5.6-$8.8 million.
All options presented to the Board will result in a requirement to finance the construction of the new facility. In recognition that funds required to construct a facility would take several years to compile, the following recommendations to allocate funds to the Future Administrative Facility have been approved:
Allocation from Year-end Surplus:
December 2013) $ 1,125,291
November 2015) $2,500,000 Transfers within Accumulated Surplus:
November 2016) $8,919,579
Total $12,544,870
November 2016) $11,100,000
Total Funds Available for Future Administrative Facility $ 23,644,870
The balance of funds required to construct the new administrative facility would be secured through long-term financing. The principal and interest payments would be budgeted through the Board administration and governance funding envelope.
Ontario Regulation 193/10 restricts the amount of funds that can be used for the purposes of constructing administrative facilities. Under this regulation, the Board can only use proceeds of disposition which have been generated through the sale of a former administrative facility. Therefore, the Board cannot use proceeds of disposition generated from the sale of school sites.
Existing Administrative Office Sites
The utilization of existing Board property, either the J.W. Singleton Centre or New St. Education Centre site, would substantially reduce the total cost of the new administrative centre. The Board already owns both potential properties.
Renovating either existing building has been deemed to be problematic for the following reasons:
a. cost of retrofitting and updating the existing building
b. ongoing maintenance and operating costs of existing building
c. accessibility issues within the existing building
The M.M. Robinson H.S. property is approximately 33.6 acres in size, which includes J.W. Singleton Centre (see attachment). Although it is not identified as a separate piece of land, it is estimated the J.W. Singleton Centre site is approximately 5.7 acres in size. The New Street Education Centre/Gary Allan property consists of approximately of 14.67 acres, although the property is fragmented given the previous acquisitions of portions of the site to the City of Burlington.
The consultants have prepared schematic facility fit drawings confirming a 95,000 square foot admin centre could be placed on either property. If the Board were to move forward with building on either the J.W. Singleton Centre site or the New Street Education Centre site, an Official Plan Amendment and rezoning would be required. The Board’s Planning Department has identified the undertaking of an Official Plan Amendment and zoning amendment for the New Street Education Centre/Gary Allan site would likely be problematic, given the residential nature of the surrounding neighbourhood and the concerns related to a use that may not be compatible with the area.
 If approved the building would be built on the north west corner of the Upper Middle Road – Guelph Line intersection in Burlington. The location of the new administration centre on the existing J.W. Singleton Centre site would likely be less cause for concern from area residents. Locating a building at the northwest corner of Guelph Line and Upper Middle Road, would be more compatible to the adjacent land uses (i.e., retail malls to the east and southeast) and M.M. Robinson H.S., located to the west. Also, the location of a new administration centre on the current site, would allow for enhanced building exposure and street presence to ensure the Halton District School Board remains visible in the community.
 The Halton District School Board trustees will decide if they want the administration to proceed with the construction of a new administrative building The current location also offers better transportation/transit access due to its proximity to a major transportation corridors (Guelph Line/Upper Middle Road) as well as the QEW/403 and Highway 407, as compared to the New Street Education Centre/Gary Allan location. Planning staff believes the potential development of a new administrative centre at this location could provide for other office/retail opportunities that potentially could assist in the reducing the operating costs for the new administration centre.
 Does that sound like there will be a Tim Hortons included in the design.
Lastly, the location of the new administration centre at the existing location would ensure the current J.W. Singleton Centre workforce would be minimally impacted.
Get ready for the Burlington reaction to this one.
 By Staff
March 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 The governments of Canada and Ontario are working together to make long-term infrastructure investments to create economic growth, build inclusive communities and support a low carbon, green economy–leading to a higher quality of life for all Canadians.
Translation – this is how the government is going to use the taxes they collect – Over $18 million available in federal funding for local public transit projects in Burlington
These investments will help transform Canada in four priority areas: public transit; green infrastructure; community, culture and recreation infrastructure; and rural and northern community infrastructure.
Under the public transit stream, Burlington will receive over $18 million federally and $15 million provincially to build new urban transit networks and service extensions that will transform the way Canadians live, move and work.
One of the levels of government (it certainly wasn’t Burlington) provided a neat interactive map that lets you see where the funds are going and what the money will be spent on. Click here to check it out.
By Pepper Parr
March 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The most impressive community development event in the city has to have been the saving of the Freeman train station.
The 1906 era railway station that served Burlington for ages was due to become scrap until a dedicated group of citizens pleaded with city council to be given an opportunity to save the structure. The members of the current council, with two exceptions, didn’t make it easy.
We are asked if we have to always bring this up – and yes we do. Because the day that a ribbon is cut to celebrate an Official opening of the station to recognize the financial support the city finally gave the Friends of Freeman Station(FoF) – you can bet the farm that every member of Council will be in the photo op, including those that didn’t support the idea.
 They had every reason to be smiling. Councillors Meed Ward and Lancaster pose with five members of the Friends of Freeman Station after the Council meeting that approved the entering into of a Joint Venture that would have the Friends moving the station and taking on the task of renovating the building. The people that deserve the credit are those that put in weekend after weekend painting, sanding, sawing and moving things around the station.
The Freeman Station now has a very extensive collection of artifacts – most from citizens who remember the occasions when they caught a train from that station that used to be on the CN line off Brant just north of Fairview. Of course Fairview hasn’t always been a Burlington Street.
 The basement space will house a computer control system fora historic model railway. The interactive, museum-quality model railway diorama will depict life in the village of Freeman (now part of Burlington) in the early 1900’s. The transformed Freeman Station is close to being completed – the final drive to finish the basement level that will have model railway that will replicate what Burlington looked like when the railway station was a major mode of transportation.
There is still some work to be done on the flooring and some display case issues that need to be worked out.
One of the bigger problems is where to put everything – there is far too much to put everything on display at the same time.
The focus – and the big push at this point – is to make the best of the offer the city made: Raise $50,000 and the city will match it dollar for dollar. .
The FoF have had much success selling Whinstones. About 100 are sold and there are about 100 more available.
About 80 of the Whinstones are reserved for soldiers whose names are written on the Burlington Cenotaph. We know many soldiers left from the Freeman Station to go to war and we want to remember them in granite as well.
 That pile of stones are a big part of the city’s history. They used to be used as ballast in ships that tied up at Burlington wharves. They are being sold as part of the fund raising program. The fund raising committee wants to sell the remaining 100 Whinstones at $100 each that will generate $10,000 that will be matched by the city. Those who purchase a Whinstone also get a tax receipt for the full $100 amount for their 2018 tax year. Once we sell the last one later this year – the donor’s names will go on the north wall of the Station.
The FoF have received over $10,000 in donations since January 1, 2018. That $200,000 target is very real – so there is a lot of work to do.
A Spaghetti Dinner night is an idea that is being thought about. One of the biggest problems on the fund raising side is getting people to take on the organizing of these events. The FoF volunteers tend to be people who are good at woodworking and refurbishing stuff. They need help on event management.
There are about 3 T-shirts in Blue size XL for $25 each and a dozen mugs at $40 each which includes a mug (with a picture of the Station on it) +$10 Tim Card (with a picture of the Station on it) plus a 1 year membership card (with a picture of the Station on it).
This is a project that has brought out the best in the city. They need a bit of a boost to get over this last hump.
 The Freeman Station just before sunset. What happens when the work is done and the station is ready for the public on a regular basis? What will the hours be? What will the station need in terms of staffing? The building belongs to the city even though the volunteers have made it as valuable as it is.
Could – should the Freeman station become part of the Museums of Burlington operation?
By Staff
March 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Approximately 900 Halton District School Board Grade 7 and 8 music students representing 24 elementary schools, will be convening for two special days of music collaboration, called Band Extravaganza on Tuesday, March 27 and Wednesday March 28, 2018.
 The event will be held each day at the Burlington Music Centre (2311 New Street) and Burlington Seniors’ Centre (2285 New Street).
Students will start each day with a concert by the Halton Junior Jazz Band. Afterward, students will travel to breakout clinics specifically for their instrument and will later convene for a massed band rehearsal with guest conductors both days.
This should work out to be a great opportunity for the seniors.
This year, the Board has commissioned two original concert band compositions for this event: The Call to Adventure, by composer David Marlatt, and The Conquest by Ryan Meeboer, a teacher at Alexander’s Public School in Burlington.
These pieces will be directed by the composers and played for the first time by Halton students.
“The students are looking forward to rehearsing and performing in this massed band as it is inspirational and grandiose,” said Rebecca MacRae, the Board’s Instructional Program Leader (The Arts, K-12). “Music performance is the major curriculum connection during Band Extravanagza, as the students learn and perform two brand new pieces in one day.”
Long and McQuade of Burlington is generously providing music equipment and clinicians. Halton Board music teachers will also be directing instrumental workshops with students.
 By Staff
March 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Mike Quackenbush advised the Gazette earlier today that he has “made the decision not to run in this year’s municipal election.”
 Mike Quackenbush decides the time isn’t right for him in municipal politics. “Instead, I will be using the next four years to clear a couple tasks off of my to-do list, while remaining involved and working towards our collective ambition – a better city.
“At 27 years old, I know already that public service is in my future. I need to make sure that the various organizations which I hold a leadership role with are continued to be setup for long-term success, before I refocus my energy on the city as a whole.
“You can believe that my name will be on the ballot in 2022.”
Probably a wise move on Mike Quackenbush’s part. There are two admirable candidates in the race plus the incumbent. There is also two candidates who ran in 2014 and appeared to express some interest in the 2018 election. Lisa Cooper has a bit of a profile in the ward having run on at least four past elections.
 He has been a consistent advocate for the rural part of the city. Has been treated quite shabbily at times by his council colleagues.  Taylor in full campaign mode during an election many years ago greeting a voter. John Taylor, the incumbent is understood to have met with a number of those who intend to challenge the seat he has held for close to 25 years.
Based on what the Gazette is picking up as it makes the rounds of events, Taylor is at risk. Even some of his Lowville loyalists think he might want to consider getting out of politics at the top of his game – a defeat at this point in a career during which he has served the people if his ward very well would be hard to swallow.
 By Staff
March 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
An 11 year old girl riding a bicycle east on Dundas Street east of Sutton Drive was struck by an east bound minivan at just before 6:30 pm. The girl was transported to McMaster Children’s Hospital by Halton Regional Paramedic Services where she remains in critical condition.
 The Halton Regional Police are investigating.
Due to the life threatening nature of her injuries, the Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken carriage of the investigation.
Any witnesses who have not spoken to police are asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at (905)825-4747 ext: 5065.
 By Staff
March 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
In the lead up to the June 7th election in Ontario, the minimum wage continues to be a hot button issue.
Both the provincial Liberals and the NDP have committed to increase the minimum wage from $14 this year to $15 an hour on January 1, 2019.
But the new leader of the Ontario PC party, Doug Ford, is now saying that he would freeze the minimum wage at $14 an hour and remove everyone earning less than $30,000 a year from the income tax rolls.
Two different scenarios with very different implications for low-wage workers in Ontario.
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) an independent think tank, looked at the most recent Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) data from 2015 and found that 4.9 million Ontarians who had a total income of less than $30,000 per year filed taxes.
In a recent report the CCPA had this to say about not going forward with the minimum wage increases:
Two-thirds of those (3.2 million people) paid no income tax, due to a combination of existing tax deductions and tax credits. For those low-income Ontarians, the promise of no taxes offers nothing new.
The 34 per cent of Ontarians with incomes less than $30,000 who paid tax had an average provincial income tax bill of $485 in 2015.
The average Ontario tax rate for those with incomes below $30,000 a year was 0.9 per cent of their total income.
 Minimum wage demand. So is a $485 tax cut better than increasing the minimum wage from $14 to $15 an hour? The simple answer is: no.
Assuming Ontario minimum wage earners work 37.5 hours per week, a one dollar an hour increase in their wages would be worth $1,950 a year, before taxes.
These workers would be further ahead with an increase in wages rather than having their wages frozen and getting a tax cut.
But it doesn’t stop there.
We know that low-income people rely on public services. They can’t send their kids to private school, they rely on subsidized child care in order to work, they are more likely to take public transit.
Freezing the minimum wage and offering a tax cut in its place would not only reduce low-wage workers’ direct income, it would also reduce the amount of revenue that the province has to pay for the public services that they need to rely on: like public education, subsidized child care, and public transit.
This is simply a bad trade off for low-income Ontarians. And it’s an approach that would create a host of other problems.
Eliminating Ontario income tax on the first $30,000 of income for all Ontarians would be prohibitively expensive.
Removing anyone with less than $30,000 of income from the income tax rolls would mean that only half of the population (53 per cent) would be paying income taxes in Ontario.
Those who are paying income taxes could feel that they are carrying too much of the burden, further eroding our trust in government and public services. As public economist Armine Yalnizyan tweeted: “Can you spell tax revolt?”
 Is this rate of minimum wage growth inflationary? This tax reduction could be targeted to low-income workers through a tax credit as Lindsey Tedds pointed out.
However, economists also worry about the impact on the incentive to work when you face a sharp increase in the taxes you pay on the next dollar of income. This was widely debated and called the “welfare wall” in the 1990s. As economist Mike Moffatt tweeted: “Anyone making $30,001 would face one hell of a marginal tax bill.”
Tax policy is complex and can have unintended consequences.
That’s why we need to know what the impact of such a proposal would be on low-income Ontarians, the public coffers, tax fairness, and incentives. Canning the minimum wage increase in favour of a tax cut would either be expensive or have a number of negative unintended consequences, and ultimately leaves low-wage workers no farther ahead.
 Sheila Block is a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ Ontario office.
 By Pepper Parr
March 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Revised
Doug Ford is out there getting on every TV and radio station that will give him ten minutes to explain what he will do differently. We get an idea of what he has planned in bits and pieces; he wants to see the private sector involved in the sale of cannabis and he wants to cut out the waste in government spending. He has said he will scrap the Cap and Trade carbon tax – even though the federal government has made it clear that if a province does not have a cap and trade tax then the federal plan will be imposed on them
 Doug Ford announcing his intention to run for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party in Ontario. Ford wants the government out of business; he believes the market is the best approach to controlling prices and wants to see much less regulation.
One wonders what the tens of thousands of people who got those $25 Gift Cards from Loblaws who are trying to put their decades long price fixing on bread prices behind then think about less government regulation.
 Great campaign literature – it will become part of Ontario’s political folk lore. The Progressive Conservatives had an election platform that had the former PC party leader all over it. There were a lot of good things in the plan but it was scrapped and the hundred thousand copies of that plan that were printed were recycled. They got rid of the magazines – then they got rid of Brown.
The Premier of the province can list all the changes she has made since the last election in 2014. She too needs a way to get her platform in front of the voting public.
Premier Kathleen Wynne found a neat way to get a lot of attention and put her platform in front of the public.
She is going to use all the pomp and ceremony that is part of a Throne Speech.
On Thursday Wynne advised the Lieutenant Governor to prorogue the Legislature, which she did and on Monday she will read out a Throne Speech that will set out what the government plans to get done in the election that will take place June 7th.
 Tough to beat a Throne Speech for visual effect on television.
The government will reintroduce government bills that were before the legislature prior to prorogation so that debate on them can continue. This includes proposed legislation aimed at eliminating the gender pay gap and increasing pay transparency for workers, as well as legislation that would transform Ontario’s corrections system, and protect consumers by improving access to elevators and giving people more control over their credit information.
No sitting days will be lost due to prorogation, as the legislature is convening for the 3rd session on March 19, 2018, consistent with the Parliamentary Calendar established in the 1st session.
The prorogation of the Legislature was within parliamentary rules – neat move on the part of the Premier.
By Staff
March 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A multiple jurisdiction police investigative team was set up to solve the numerous residential break and enters that were taking place in the Region – mostly Burlington and Oakville.
The Halton Regional Police Service and the York Regional Police Service have concluded a lengthy break and enter investigation which spanned multiple jurisdictions and have arrested four people, who, between December 19, 2017 and January 8th 2017, were involved in a total of 13 residential break and enters.
In each incident the suspects knocked on the front door to determine whether or not a resident was home. After confirming the homes were empty, the culprits forced entry to the front doors ransacking bedrooms in search of money or jewellery.
 The cross jurisdictional investigation used a comprehensive menu of investigative techniques, inter agency collaboration, and community awareness. The combination of those ingredients resulted in the identification of the accused.
Early in March the Halton Regional Police and the York Regional Police arrested three of the culprits (Rai Teixeira, Lincoln Samuels, and Cesar Montenero). At the time the accused failed to escape arrest by colliding with another vehicle and fleeing the scene on foot. The last of the 4 accused was arrested on March 8, 2018.
Search warrants supporting the offences were executed at the accused’s residences and resulted in the recovery of large amounts of jewellery and evidence linking the culprits to the entries in the Halton Region.
 Deputy Police Chief Nick Duraiappah Halton Region Deputy Police Chief Nick Duraiappah said: “Residential break and enters are a clear priority for our service.” He wanted people impacted by these crimes “to know that the persons responsible will be held accountable.”
The accused face a total of 48 criminal charges.
CHARGED:
Rai Teixeira (22) of Brampton was charged with Break and Enter – Commit (10 Counts), Break and Enter – Intent (3 Counts)
Lincoln Samuels (22) of Tottenham was charged with Break and Enter – Commit (6 Counts), Fail to Comply Probation (4 Counts)
Cesar Montesdeoca (22) of Brampton was charged with Break and Enter – Commit (8 Counts), Break and Enter – Intent (2 Counts), Fail to Comply Probation (2 Counts), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Vincent Vassel (23) of Brampton was charged with Break and Enter – Commit (5 Counts), Break and Enter – Intent (2 Counts), Fail to Comply Probation (6 Counts)
Anyone who may have additional information concerning this investigation can contact Halton Regional Police Detective Ron Strauch at 905-825-4747 ext. 2255. 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.
People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 By Staff
March 14th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Transit is in the process of developing a multi-year Transit Plan that will guide new investment in the city’s transit system.
Improving Burlington’s transit service is a priority for the City of Burlington. That has not always been the case; the service has been under funded for close to a decade with constant changes to the routes and the level of service. People who need transit just gave up and looked for some other way to get around town.
 City manager James Ridge told council members that the transit service was crappy – then got $1.5 million into the budget. It was a report by a new transit staff member that was presented to a council committee last September that brought about a change within the city administration. City manager James Ridge said at that time that transit was a “crappy” service that was on the wrong side of the regulations that govern how staff has to be supported with a work environment that is safe.
Ridge was blunt and direct and got $1.5 million put into the budget for immediate changes.
Now the city has to determine just what is needed in the way of public transit in a city where the bulk of the residents want to use cars to get around and city council members just don’t want to push for public transit.
 Doug Brown, a transit advocate watches as Mayor Goldring looks for a transit route on his Smart phone. Joey Edwardh looks on. All this despite passing a Strategic Plan that calls for increased use of transit and an Official Plan that makes frequent mention of the need to get people on public transit and out of their cars.
The elected council are certainly not taking the lead on this one – it is the city administration that is leading the change.
On a media release the city said: “As our population grows, providing a variety of convenient, reliable options to help people get around the city is essential. The Transit Plan, along with other city plans like the Transportation Plan and the Cycling Plan, will help to bring this vision to life.”
The city wants to hear from Burlington Transit riders to learn more about how they currently use public transit and from people who do not ride the bus to find out what might encourage them to consider transit. They created an online survey to gather input – the survey is open until March 26. The information gathered will be used to help build a better transit service. The survey can be accessed HERE
Whenever the city has to remind the public of the survey it is usually because not very many people have responded.
 A public meeting, put on by Bfast, (Burlington for accessible, sustainable transit) filled the meeting room at the Library. The city knew then that there were problems with transit. The Gazette has not seen much in the way of enthusiasm from most of the members of city council.
By Staff
March 14th, 20918
BURLINGTON, ON
A Burlington resident has been arrested by the Halton Regional Police Service as a result of an investigation into fraud-related allegation.
 The Halton Regional Police Service Fraud Unit have today wrapped up a three-month long investigation into allegations that a Burlington resident has been defrauding Syrian refugees currently living in Qatar with promises of getting them sponsorship into Canada.
A search warrant was executed on the suspect’s residence and the accused was arrested at that time.
Charged with 8 counts of Fraud Over $5,000 dollars and money laundering is Bashar ABDULAHAD (49yrs) of Burlington.
The allegations came to the attention of the police through a community volunteer group in Toronto who had victims come forward to them through relatives now living in Canada.
Working with this group and a contact in Qatar, police were able to identify eight victim families who had all sent funds to the suspect with total losses in excess of $200,000 dollars. The police believe there are many more victims however given the logistical issues of victims who are currently living overseas, officers have had to rely upon a local volunteer in the affected country to spread the word on the investigation and locate other victims. Given the victims’ current status, police believe some are reluctant to come forward.
The suspect claimed he could bring the victims into Canada through a local church under an immigration sponsorship program. The church has cooperated with police and has no involvement in the fraud.
Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service Fraud Unit, Det. Cst. Jon Williams at 905-825-4747 ext. 8737.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something, Hear Something, Know Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Anyone charged with a criminal offense is presumed to be innocent until a court of law decides otherwise.
By Staff
March 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The April 4th meeting of the Planning and Development Committee that was to accept a report recommending adoption of Burlington’s proposed new Official Plan has been moved to April 24 at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. and, if required, Wednesday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall in Council Chambers.
 The meeting date for the recommendation report has been moved to allow for new provincial maps to be added to Burlington’s proposed new Official Plan. The updated natural heritage and agricultural systems mapping was released by The Province of Ontario on Feb. 9, 2018 as part of its Places to Grow program.
The Official Plan (April 2018) that is recommended for adoption will be released the week of March 26th.
As a result of further discussions with the Province and the Region of Halton a number of refinements to policies and mapping have been required to clearly demonstrate conformity with senior plans. Two main areas are highlighted below.
The Province of Ontario recently released new mapping that relates to the Natural Heritage System and Agricultural System in Burlington. As a result, the City is now adding maps to its proposed new Official Plan to incorporate this new provincial mapping.
Background:
On July 1, 2017, the Province of Ontario approved a revised Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), which outlines policies for planning and managing growth in the GGH to the year 2041, and which includes the City of Burlington.
The revised Growth Plan policies recognize the importance of both a Natural Heritage System and an Agricultural System to the GGH. The protection of these resources is vitally important to the Plan’s long term vision for the GGH.
The revised Plan states that the Province will map a Natural Heritage System for the GGH to support a comprehensive, integrated, and long-term approach to planning for the protection of the GGH’s natural heritage and biodiversity. Municipalities are required to incorporate the Natural Heritage System as an overlay in their Official Plans, and apply appropriate policies to maintain, restore, or enhance the diversity and connectivity of the system and the long-term ecological or hydrologic functions of these features and areas.
The revised Plan also states that the Province will identify an Agricultural System for the GGH. Prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, are to be designated in official plans in accordance with mapping identified by the Province and these areas must be protected for long-term use for agriculture in municipal Official Plans.
On Feb. 9, 2018, the Province announced the release of the final mapping for both the Natural Heritage System and the Agricultural System for the GGH to support the Growth Plan. It is now in full force and effect, as of the date of its release. It therefore applies in the consideration of all planning matters, including development applications, within municipalities in the GGH, including the City of Burlington.
 Provincial agriculture land base map released February 9th, 2018 (The resolution of the maps available is very low. The Gazette will work at getting higher resolution and a subset map for just the Region of Halton and then Burlington,)
The City of Burlington will now be incorporating the Provincial Natural Heritage System and Agricultural System mapping as released by the Province into the mapping of its proposed new Official Plan, in order to conform to the Provincial Growth Plan.
In implementing the Natural Heritage System and Agricultural System, the Province permits municipalities to refine provincial mapping with greater precision in a manner that is consistent with the Growth Plan.
However, this is only permitted as part of a “municipal comprehensive review,” which is a new official plan or an official plan amendment initiated by the upper-tier or single-tier municipality, in this case Halton Region, that comprehensively applies the policies and Schedules of the Growth Plan.
The refinement of the Natural Heritage System and Agricultural System mapping will be undertaken on a Regional basis as part of the Region of Halton’s next Regional Official Plan Review. The City cannot make refinements to the mapping in the Burlington Official Plan until the Region completes its municipal comprehensive review through its Official Plan Review process.
By Staff
March 13, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The number of Ontario workers contacting the Minister of Labour’s Employment Standards hotline to ask about the minimum wage has doubled since the rate was increased to $14 an hour on January 1, 2018.
 Data from the Ministry of Labour shows the total number of calls specifically about the minimum wage more than doubled in January 2018 — after the new minimum wage took effect — compared to January of last year.
In January 2018, the Employment Standards Contact Centre answered to a total of 26,704 calls, a 60% increase from the previous month, December 2017, when 16,742 calls were received.
The number of calls in January 2018 was 26,704, an increase of 29% over the 20,633 January 2017 calls.
In a media release the Ministry of Labour said: “The increase in calls to the Employment Standards line demonstrates that the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act is having its intended effect and that there is a need for government to stand up for workers who are not receiving the fair treatment now mandated by law under Bill 148.
That legislation became law in November and brought in improvements for workers including:
 Employment Standards in Ontario A plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour on January 1, 2019
Up to 17 weeks leave after a worker or their child has survived domestic or sexual violence, with the first five days being paid days of leave
Ten days of personal emergency leave per calendar year for all workers, including two paid days
A required three weeks annual paid vacation for all workers who have been with the same employer for five or more years
Equal pay for part-time workers who do the same job as full-time workers.
By Staff
March 13, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Another resident of Halton has become the latest victim of what is known as the “Romance Scam”.
Police are urging victims of this crime to come forward and recognize they are not alone. Even the most experienced people can be manipulated by these professionals.
Recently a woman approached the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and reported a loss in excess of $1.2 million as a result of this scam.
 The location of the suspect remains unknown at this time, and according to investigators, he could be anywhere in the world. “The money is all gone, sent through various means to the U.S.A. and Europe.
The suspect is a professional fraudster operating as part of a network of criminals, all with the same intent; to relieve someone of their hard earned money. They know how to manipulate, and unfortunately, they are highly skilled at what they do,” says Detective Mark Underwood of the HRPS Regional Fraud Unit.
In a typical Romance Scam, the relationship will start with an anonymous connection, usually through a dating website or application. Often, the perpetrator of the scam claims that their ability to meet in person is limited, due to travel, overseas business or military deployment.
The suspect will then present a problem that needs to be solved with a small loan of money; e.g. a lost passport or a failing business deal. The perpetrator may then claim that they want to meet the victim in person but that they cannot do so unless the problem is solved, or until they are back in the country. They may state that there is an opportunity to make lots of money on a chance deal, contingent on a small investment with a guaranteed return.
The Halton Regional Police Service offers the following tips for residents:
• Never send money to someone you have never met. Legitimate businesses and business associates do not need to secure financing from random strangers.
• Check your facts, and do your research. Often, the fraudsters will introduce a lawyer, in the hopes it brings legitimacy to a financial transaction. Use the internet to verify that people and businesses actually exist.
• If in doubt, seek some help. A sober second look at a situation from a trusted outsider who has not been manipulated by a potential fraudster can provide clarity and make the difference.
The best weapon against this crime is awareness. When people understand how these scams work, they will be less likely to be victimized.
When it comes to fraud, victims can help other victims by speaking out. The Halton Regional Police Service encourages victim to let people know what happened to stop it happening to others.
 A safe, secure, confidential place to call with information about a crime. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Mark Underwood of the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8738.
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.
By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
How does that line go? It ain’t over until the fat lady sings; there is considerable debate as to who actually coined the phrase.
The Ontario Municipal Board decision to allow the construction of the 26 storey tower at Martha and Lakeshore has moved into another round of legal arguments – the City has asked the Executive Chair of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to review the decision using what is called a Section 43 review request.
 Center – Bruce Krushelnicki former Director of Planning for Burlington. The Executive Chair of the OMB is Bruce Krushelnicki, who is the former Director of Planning for the city of Burlington. The failure of the city to file a response to the development application back in 2015 took place while Krushelnicki was the Planning Director
The OMB released a decision on February 13 regarding these development applications that allows 26 storeys.
 Will the Nautique ever get built? Under Section 43 of the Ontario Municipal Act, a review may be requested so the Board may “rehear any application before deciding it or may review, rescind, change, alter or vary any decision, approval or order made by it.”
Among the reasons cited by the city for requesting a review of the decision are:
• The Board failed to properly consider the planning hierarchy set up in the Urban Growth Centre by City Council when the Board approved the height and density at 374 and 380 Martha St.
• The Board did not consider that the city’s Official Plan allocated height and density at different levels with the Urban Growth Centre, with the greatest growth directed to the Wellington Square and Old Lakeshore Road areas. As a result, the tallest building in the city, 26 storeys, is on a site designated for significantly lower levels of height and density.
The city is asking the Executive Chair to grant the city’s review request and to dismiss the appeals related to 374 and 380 Martha St.
If that does not happen, the city requests an order directing a rehearing of the appeals or changes to the Board decision to reduce the height and density allowed on the site.
It is certainly not over.
The Gazette will review the letter (it is eight pages long) that was sent to Krushelnicki and het back to you on the details.
By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
STEM is an acronym that refers to Science Technology Engineering and Math. The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is going to put an I in front of the acronym to get ISTEM and introduce a new program for grade nine students that will start at the Aldershot High School on 2019
These programs gives highly motivated Grade 9 students the opportunity to delve into 21st Century issues outside the confines of a traditional classroom.
 With the guidance of qualified teachers, students will simultaneously explore related topics by examining real-world issues through interdisciplinary project-based learning; they will identify the issues and topics that matter to them, and then they will conceive, design, and build potential solutions to these challenges. Civics and Careers will be integrated into these inquiries, allowing students to achieve extra credits.
Which credits will be gained?
Grade 9 Science
Grade 9 Math
Grade 9 English
Grade 9 Technology
Grade 10 Civics (half credit)
Grade 10 Careers (half credit)
How is this accomplished?
Qualified teachers in these subject areas will work together to identify the principles, skills, and competencies, that are universal across their disciplines. These overlapping concepts will be taught concurrently, when possible, through project-based, discovery learning. As well, students will still have the opportunity to experience two elective credits along with their required compulsory credits.
What type of learner will be successful in this program?
Successful students will require the following skills:
Creative Thinking
Self-motivation
Time Management
Problem Solving
Aptitude in Math and Reasoning
Inquiry and Inquisitiveness
Collaboration
Independent Self-study
How many students will the program be able to accommodate in September of 2019?
The space capacity at Aldershot is 1018 students: 588 secondary students and 460 elementary students.
The decision to turn part of the secondary program at Aldershot high school into an ISTEM program means the board staff have to begin the really hard work of creating the course content. The Superintendents know what they want it to be – now they have to design the content, hire and train the teachers and upgrade some of the classrooms.
 Superintendents Terri Blackwell and Gord Truffen during a presentation to the Halton District School Board trustees The assignment that is now in the hands of Superintendent Terri Blackwell and her team. They have more questions than answers at this point. The biggest thing they do have is clear trustee approval, the budget they need and a very clear objective with highly motivated people. This is a teaching assignment that many of the best teachers in the Halton board are going to want to be a part of.
Who will be working with you on the course content?
The people developing the content have to work within the parameters of the Ontario curriculum. The community was a large part of making this happen – now that it has been approved the Board staff will be returning to the community for additional input.
Where will the students come from?
The expectation is that some will come from Hamilton, some will come from the private school sector and some will transfer from the Catholic Boards.
Exactly where? That won’t be known until parents with elementary students moving into the secondary level have those “what do you want to study in high school” conversations.
The Board expects to do a lot of marketing and community outreach on this one.
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