 By Pepper Parr
October 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It wasn’t a great surprise – if he wasn’t employed as the Mayor what would he do?
Inside Halton published a report that had Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring announcing earlier today that he would be seeking a third term in the 2018 municipal election.
Inside Halton went on to say that the Mayors used “…the Niagara Escarpment as a backdrop where the Mayor was joined by his wife Cheryl and children Stephanie and Lisa.
When asked why he was making his intentions known almost a year away from next year’s municipal election, Goldring replied the main reason was because so many people were asking him if he was planning to run again.
 Mayor answering questions during a ward 4 debate. “And I thought this was the best way to let the community know what my intention is and that is to register in early May as a candidate,” he said.
Registration for candidates in the mayoral, Councillor or school board trustee races officially opens May 1, 2018.
Goldring said he specifically chose to make his announcement in north Burlington because the 100 per cent commitment by previous and current councils to maintain 50 per cent of the city (in the north) as rural.
“As we grow as a city, it is critical we maintain and enhance the 50 per cent of Burlington that’s in the greenbelt,” he noted.
 The rural-urban boundary – defined by Hwy 407and Dundas is not going to ever be changed by cit council. Burlington’s city council couldn’t change the regulation that has the land north of the Hwy 507 – Dundas Boundary and permit major residential development. The province and the Region would slap the city something silly if they even talked about such an idea.
The Mayor has created a straw dog.
If re-elected, Goldring said he would continue to bring what he has in the past to the office of the mayor.
“I think that’s the attitude of one of service, an attitude of collaboration, connecting with the community on a regular basis, as well as help provide direction to the city going forward, which I have done for the last seven years,” he explained, noting he didn’t see being mayor as a job, but rather a vocation.
“I’m fortunate to be the mayor, I take it very seriously. I’m honoured and privileged each and every day to do the role.”
They all say that – and Rick Goldring does take his job seriously.
During the release of the 2017 Vital Signs report by the Burlington Foundation, chair Ron Foxcroft, who likes to loosen up an audience with a little humour, told the story of Rick Goldring’s NHL career (there was of course no such things but when Ron Foxcroft is on a roll – there is no stopping him) he said there was just one thing missing – talent.
Ouch!
Goldring called the role of mayor a challenging one and currently facing a challenging time as the city is embarking on a path to adopt new municipal plans.
“I’m invigorated and inspired at the opportunity to continue to lead the city going forward,” he added.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with council, staff and the community in continuing to build and have a great city that is in fact the envy of the country and continues to be the best medium-sized city to live in Canada.”
That is part of the story – but only part. The reality is that Mike Wallace is out there beating the bushes and holding small events at various locations in the city where he meets with invited guests to re-introduce himself and measure what he might have in the way of support.
Mike Wallace wants to be Mayor so bad he can taste it.
Quite why Rick Goldring wants a third term is something one can only speculate about. He has not managed to do anything of any significance in his first two terms.
Still no Code of Conduct for city council members; Goldring sloughed that off to the city manager who is expected to come back with something – sometime.
Still no private tree bylaw – and for a committed environmentalist that is close to unconscionable.
 This graphic sets out the issue. The two pieces of land at each end are owned by the city and will be turned into Windows on the Lake. The piece in the centre is owned by the city and the province. The three property owners want to purchase that centre piece and make it private property. Other people want to see a pathway through the property running from Lakeshore, down Market Street along the waterfront and up St. Paul back to Lakeshore. City council voted t sell the land in the center. The land at the edge of the lake between Market Street and St, Paul is gone forever – thank your Mayor for that one. The city owned the land – but we sold it.
At some point there will be a decision on whether or not New Street should have dedicated bike lanes.
The decision to go ahead with the Joseph Brant Museum transformation is going to end up being as serious a mistake as The Pier. Goldring came in as Mayor the Mayor who had to deal with The Pier mess – he may well leave office having left the city with a project that is only going to such money out of reserve funds for years to come.
Later this evening – Thursday October 18, the Mayor is going to hold a Telephone Town Hall during which he will listen to what people would like to see in the budget. He is doing this because he said a survey told city hall that people didn’t want to go out to attend budget meetings.
The pictures below tell a different story.
 Burlingtonians will show up for public meetings and take an active part in any discussion This is a budge review meeting with the Director of Finance leading the discussion.  Citizens doing a solid review of a city budget. For the Mayor to suggest that people don;t want t attend is spurious at best. But the race is on. We now need to hear what Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward plans to do. The last we heard – she is in – she has wanted to be Mayor since the day she ran for the ward 2 seat in 2010.
The 2014 election was a sleeper – that will not be the story for the next 12 months.
 By Pepper Parr
October 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Steve Armstrong Steve Armstrong, one of the leads on the request for an Administrative Review of the Halton District School Board decision to close two of Burlington’s seven high schools, thinks that the Ministry of Education decision to appoint Margaret Wilson as the Facilitator was an “excellent” move.
“I’m looking forward to working with her, and the Board, towards a healthy discussion about the process Burlington went through. There is considerable room for improvement in a number of key areas, and I know a good number of fellow PAR Committee members see similar opportunities.
Although the exact details of how Ms Wilson wants to proceed haven’t been shared, with her experience I trust it will be thorough, said Armstrong.
 Of the twelve requests for Administration Reviews filed the only two approved were from Halton – a positive sign for many. He added that he learned recently that the two Burlington requests for Administrative Reviews are the only ones that have been approved out of the 12 applications from across the province so far this year.
“Clearly the Ministry of Education also wants to understand more about the actual execution of the HDSB Burlington Secondary School PAR.”
The government of Ontario has put a hold on starting new accommodation reviews, and has already begun an improvement process.
Perhaps one of the outcomes of our specific review might include a recommendation to test a better process.
There is within people that are angry over the decision the Board made the sense that the Facilitator can reverse the decision – that is not the case.
The Facilitator can recommend to the Ministry that they direct the Board to hold a new PAR. The only people who can reverse the decision are the 11 trustees.
Each of the high schools Bateman and Pearson, have taken different approaches to the request for a Review.
Bateman is believed to be talking a “human right” approach while Pearson is questioning the procedure that was used and the way critical information was not available to the public.
 Margaret Wilson PAR Admin Review Facilitator Wilson started her job earlier this week – there is no word yet on when she might file her report.
Director of Education Stuart Miller has said that these reviews tend to be “paper heavy” and there are certainly a lot of documents to be gone through and a lot of questions for the staff on how they handled the PAR process.
The two parent groups, Pearson and Bateman, have not, at least not so far, chosen to work together. The Bateman crowd has chosen to keep to themselves.
Armstrong believes it is in the best interests of the community if the two at least communicate with each other.
Pearson Administrative Review Request
By Staff
October 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The average police car is loaded with technology. A police officer is in constant touch with people that can give the officer vital information.
It is amazing just how much information a police officer has at their fingertips – and it is going to get even better.
 Police officers will begin to use a secure wireless network to access data from their cruisers. In a digital age, policing has become more complex with the need for both mission-critical voice communications and the ability to securely share data on a wireless network. For years, first responders have used voice radio to transmit messages to police officers and other public safety partners including neighboring police agencies in order to coordinate assistance to the public.
The Region has experienced unprecedented growth and modernization of technology, voice radio communication must be supplemented with data in order to provide detailed information to responders.
With the addition of a secure wireless network used by more than a 1,000 members, first responders will be able to access and share information vital for heightened situational awareness, preserving the radio system for crucial voice communications.
Recent changes in radio spectrum availability made by the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Chiefs of Police, Fire and Medical Services across the country have paved the way for wireless public safety data systems.
For a front line officer, their cruiser and computer is their platform for response to calls for service and major incidents. At present, officers relay data through commercial networks, which are designed for public use.
Obtaining priority and access on these networks in times of crisis concurrent to public use can result in the inability for officers to obtain vital information when needed the most.
 An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – a drone is used by police to identify marijuana plants being grown illegally. Part of the technology arsenal. “Accessing this new technology gives Halton First Responders the dependable platform they need to respond efficiently to calls for service and major incidents. The Federal Government allocated this wireless spectrum for public safety agencies for good reason.
Every patrol officer in Halton will soon be operating on our own wireless LTE network,” said Deputy Chief Duraiappah, Halton Regional Police Service. “With the leadership and support of our Chief and Police Services Board, our team will be working with Motorola Solutions into 2018 to host the core of this network in Halton. It is our hope that other public safety agencies in our Region and across Canada will also benefit from it in time”.
 Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah, and IT Manager Bill Payne viewing an officer’s mobile workstation. The Motorola Solutions LTE network will be used by officers exclusively to instantly access data on their computers or mobile devices such as dispatch information, records information, GPS data, maps, pictures, videos and real-time analytics for day-to-day operations and during emergencies.
“Halton Police is known to be an innovator within public safety. This new public safety LTE system is a major step forward in ensuring that Halton first responders have access to critical information when it is needed the most,” said Bill Payne, manager of information technology, Halton Regional Police Service.
The Halton Police LTE network core will be available to other public safety agencies that are looking to use a public safety-dedicated broadband network.
The Regional police are now going to have to identify those other public safety agencies and convince them to sign up – because this system will not be cheap.
 By Pepper Parr
October 17, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 The owners of Elizabeth Interiors, on he left,are reported to have an offer from a developer – and Kelly’s on the right is also closing. One of those usually reliable sources tells us that the Elizabeth Interiors retail location on Brant Street opposite city hall has an offer for the property that is to close on November 7th.
Our source was not able to say if it is a firm offer or just an option. The firm said to be prepared to put real money on the table is Reserve Properties, a very active residential developer who has been active in the Beach part of Toronto.
 421 Brant – opposite city hall is waiting for the Planning department report that will go to city council with a recommendation. Burlington’s Planning department is in the process of going through an application for both Official Plan amendments and a zoning change to put up a 26 story mixed use high-rise currently known as 421 Brant – just across John Street from Elizabeth’s.
The furniture operation moved out of the space a number of months ago and is now located on Fairview east of Guelph Line.
There probably isn’t a piece of property on Brant Street that doesn’t have a developer looking over what the possibilities are.
Let’s see what happens on the 7th of November.
In the meantime city council is getting ready to receive the first of the Grow Bold Mobility Hub recommendations – the first will be the Downtown Mobility hub – the boundaries of the hub include both properties.
And Kelly’s Cup Cake location is said to be closing – that property is also reported to have been sold.
And, let’s not forget the Elgin Promenade that is being built at the south end of the Cup Cake shop.
Downtown is going to become a construction site.
By Staff
October 17th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier today an 18 year old Burlington man was riding a motorcycle on New Street when he is reported to have collided with a car driven by a 21 year old Burlington woman at the intersection with Shoreacres Road.
The motor cycle struck the car within the intersection and the driver was thrown. He suffered life threatening injuries and was taken to Hamilton General Hospital by Halton Regional Paramedic Services.
The incident remains under investigation, and any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are asked to call Detective Constable Vu of the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5056.
 By Pepper Parr
October 17, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring – wearing the Chain of Office – something he rarely does outside the Council Chamber. No idea what this one is about but the Mayor has had media requests sent out for a Special Campaign Announcement at Indian Wells Golf Course Wednesday, October 18, 2017, beginning 10 AM.
A little early for an announcement that he plans to run for re-election next October.
The Mayor has been dropping hints that he is ready to run – did that in one of his blogs a while back.
But he also mentioned that he was keeping his financial planning accreditation current.
The chatter amongst those at city hall has Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward and Mike Wallace are likely candidates for the office of Mayor.
The election is scheduled to take place in late October of 2018. Nominations cannot be filed until May 1st of 2018.
By Staff
October 16th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting to the meeting is going to be a stretch.
A media release sent out in the afternoon arrived on our newsdesk at close to 3:00 pm.
The best we were able to do is get it turned around and out to you at 5:40 pm.
 Regional offices venue for an Open House that you are going to have a tough time getting to. The Region announced that a public Open House to give public an opportunity to have their say on Metrolinx’s Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan, which outlines how people and goods will move across the region in the future.
The Open House is to take place today betwen7:00 and 9:00 pm.
Metrolinx, an agency of the Provincial government which was created to coordinate and integrate all modes of transportation in the GTHA.
As a growing community, Halton Region needs reliable and frequent transit options to ensure the efficient movement of people and is vital for the Region’s economic prosperity. Halton Region has long been advocating for the implementation of committed Metrolinx programs and enhancements including:
 Regional Chair Gary Carr invited you to the meeting. the delivery of Regional Express Rail (RER) and 15-minute service on the Lakeshore West GO line;
all-day, two-way GO train service to Milton;
all-day, two-way GO train service to Georgetown; and
first and last mile improvements in access to GO stations.
“We have continued to advocate for enhanced GO service to Halton,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “While we are pleased that RER is expected to be delivered by 2025, this date still remains too far into the future.”
 Regional chair wants to see all-day, two-way GO service for Milton – soon. Halton Region has been and continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in the country. The coordination of transit is an important element to building complete communities. “Milton continues to grow at a rapid pace, and the fact that they do not have all-day, two-way GO service is unacceptable to the community,” said Carr.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about Metrolinx’s Draft 2041 Regional Plan and join Halton in voicing their concerns about the transportation needs of the community.
While doing that – voice your concerns about being advised of a meeting literally hours before it is scheduled to take place.
The Gazette will pull up the Metrolinx Draft 2041 Regional Plan and report on what they had to say..
By Pepper Parr
October 16th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, the Ontario Ministry of Education announced the appointment of Margaret Wilson as facilitator of the administrative review for the Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review (PAR) undertaken by the Halton District School Board during the 2016-2017 school year.
 Margaret Wilson will lead the Administrative Review of the Program Accommodation Review of the decision to close two of Burlington’s seven high schools. “Margaret Wilson is a well-respected educational leader with significant experience examining complex education issues,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “We look forward to working with Ms. Wilson and welcome a thorough, independent and impartial review of the PAR process the Board conducted.”
 Parents at the first public meeting that addressed the school board’s wish to close two high schools. In September, the Halton District School Board received notification from the Ministry of Education, granting administrative reviews of the Burlington Secondary School PAR. Requests for these reviews were submitted to the Ministry of Education by the Lester B. Pearson High School and Robert Bateman High School communities.
According to Ministry Guidelines, an administrative review is a process by which an independent, impartial facilitator reviews that the Board has followed its Pupil Accommodation Review policy. An administrative review is not an assessment of the decisions made by the Board of Trustees.
During this review period, the Halton District School Board will continue to keep student needs at the forefront. As such, the Board will continue to collaboratively plan for and implement the decisions made in June 2017. The Board will, however, be cognizant of minimizing the expenditures of the implementation during the review process.
The Board of Education Media Release doesn’t say very much about Ms Wilson – but she has certainly has a profile.
The Toronto Star reported on the work Ms Wilson did on the Toronto Bard of Education where she turned in a scathing report and an invoice for billing the government at a rate of $1200 per hour.
Here is what the Star had to say:
“Margaret Wilson, appointed by the province to look into dysfunction at the Toronto school board, was paid $1,200 a day ($150. An hour) for her work, according to documents obtained by the Star through a Freedom of Information request.
“As part of her final $48,034 bill, Wilson listed 40 work days in November and December of 2014, and January 2015.
“Based on an eight-hour workday, that works out to $150 an hour; for a 12-hour workday, $100 an hour.
“Review of TDSB: 68 interviews, read board + ministry documents, correspondence, previous reviews + audits & copious emails. Wrote report,” she noted in the expense form submitted to the education ministry.
“Wilson, a veteran educator and former union leader, also billed for two taxi rides at $17 each to the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association in downtown Toronto.
“Her report on the Toronto District School Board, released in January of last year, was a scathing look at both management and elected trustees and had been ordered after a string of scandals and amid concerns about then-director Donna Quan’s management style and secrecy.
 Former Minister of Education Liz Sandals, left, and education consultant Margaret Wilson. “Wilson criticized trustees for meddling and exerting undue influence on staff, repeated concerns about a “culture of fear” identified in previous reports, as well as a revolving door in the top job, and noted an “acute level of distress” among staff. The report made 13 recommendations to improve the board, including looking at whether it is too big to manage.
Wilson, a former Registrar and CEO of the Ontario College of Teachers, will consult with local accommodation review committees, the school board and people who participated in the process. The mandate of an administrative review is to determine if the board followed its locally developed accommodation review process.
The Ministry of Education approved requests for an administrative review of the accommodation review process related to Robert Bateman High School and Lester B. Pearson High School, both in Burlington.
Wilson will begin work the week of October 16 and will provide the Minister of Education with a final report upon completion of her review. The report’s findings will be released to the school board and the public.
 This is what conservation is all about.  By Staff
October 16th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Conservation Authorities have found that their Sharing Experiences workshop have worked well since their inception in 2009.
Local Conservation Authorities and environmental organizations are partnering to host the 6th biennial Sharing Experiences workshop that will provide an opportunity to hear about different local groups and their activities.
The goal is to link like-minded people so they can work together to effectively preserve and improve their local natural environment. In addition, this year will see the inclusion of a keynote speaker to set the tone for the event.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Puslinch Community Centre at 23 Brock Road South, Guelph, ON N1H 6H9 and will include presentations and small breakout sessions from knowledgeable and experienced members of the environmental community.
The workshop organizing committee is currently seeking input from groups and individuals in the community to get a sense of topics of interest for the workshop agenda.
As in past years, the goal is for the agenda to be designed by those planning to attend the workshop and therefore relevant to local issues and activities. Some topics from previous years have included; social marketing and communications, engaging youth, habitat rehabilitation, volunteer management, liability and insurance, partnerships, grants and funding, working with local government and strategic planning. Ensuring that an innovative and varied set of topics are selected for this workshop is a priority.
The organizing team is comprised of Conservation Halton, Credit Valley Conservation, Friends of Mill Creek, Grand River Conservation Authority, Green Venture, Hamilton Conservation Authority, and the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club.
 Working as a breakout group during the 2016 Shared Experience Workshop The 2016 Shared Experiences day was a great success with 94 people in attendance, 10 presentations, 58 organizations present along with our 2016 keynote speaker Gord Miller.
To assist the team in developing a comprehensive workshop program please submit your topic ideas by Wednesday October 25 to: Colleen Lavender at 905-854-9229 ext. 222, Fax 905-336-6684, or e-mail clavender@hrca.on.ca
For more information please visit the Sharing Experiences Workshop webpage, https://conservationhamilton.ca/sharing-experiences-workshops-2/.
By Staff
October 16th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Your provincial government wants your ideas – and if they are any good they are going to reward you. It can’t get much better than that,
The province of Ontario is making $5 million available to bring these ideas to life.
 This is where the spending decisions get made – have you got an idea that you think will make a difference? Ontario launched Budget Talks, an online consultation, was launcged last week; its purpose is to allow the public to help shape policies and programs that will be part of Ontario’s future.
The government will provide up to $5 million to fund up to five proposals identified and voted on by the public as part of the 2018 Budget.
This is the fourth year in a row the government has engaged the public in the development of the Ontario budget through Budget Talks, and the second year that funding will be allocated directly to citizen-led proposals.
Through www.Ontario.ca/budgettalks, people are invited to share ideas on five focus areas: child care, seniors, small business, students and healthy living.
To be eligible, proposals must:
• Be submitted online by midnight on November 3, 2017
• Be for a new fund, pilot project, study, event or digital service
• Fall within the scope of the Ontario government to deliver
• Help support one of the five focus areas outlined on Budget Talks
• Require a one-time investment of no more than $1 million
• Show progress or completion by spring 2019
In January 2018, people will be able to comment and vote on ideas generated during the first phase of Budget Talks.
In 2017, people submitted 404 ideas, wrote 923 comments and casted 19,229 votes as part of Budget Talks.
Reducing and preventing food waste, improving digital services for libraries and accessing digitized health data were the three ideas that received the most public votes and were included in the 2017 Budget. View the project tracker to follow our progress, as we work to implement the ideas.
The next time you feel the need to complain about government not listening – remember – you were given a time to talk. Use it or lose it.
By Pepper Parr
October 16th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
She was in what she calls her “happy place” sitting quietly with her library card in her hand getting ready to speak.
 Eleanor McMahon, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was kicking off Public Library Week and announcing improvements to digital services at 307 libraries and library organizations across the province.
She spoke too of the valuable role that libraries play in Ontario communities.
Shelagh Paterson, Executive Director, Ontario Library Association said that libraries serve as the greatest equalizer for access to information across our communities.
The Library Digital Services fund provides resources for people in the community to use at its Ideaworks Studio, including a new 3D printer, digital embroidery machine and new digital media software. People will be able to enjoy these specialized technologies for their own interests and to help with projects and schoolwork.
 McMahon told the small audience that Ontario is increasing access to technology, digital services and training opportunities at public libraries in towns, cities and Indigenous communities across the province. Funding is helping libraries offer more technology in their communities, such as wireless internet connections, new computers, and e-books, as well as classes on topics like social media and computer literacy.
 Ontario is investing $3 million through the Improving Library Digital Services fund to support up to 307 libraries and library organizations across the province. This includes $1 million for rural, remote and First Nation public libraries through 2017 Budget Talks. Burlington Public Library is receiving $25,000 from this fund.
This investment builds on a commitment in Ontario’s Culture Strategy to support Ontario’s public and First Nation libraries as essential spaces for people to access cultural experiences, technology and community life.
Library week runs from October 15-21; the first took place in 1985
 By Staff
October 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
On Monday September 11th 2017 at approximately 8:00 PM, a male suspect attended the Sobeys located at 1250 Brant Street in Burlington.
 Walked out with a bike he didn’t walk in with. The suspect went through an employee’s only door which led to a hallway where he stole a silver Giant Escape bicycle valued at $500.00.
The suspect was dropped off and picked up by a silver Mazda 3 hatchback.
 The car police believe the bike was taken away in. Suspect is described as a white male, dark short hair, approximately 5’8″ tall wearing a black leather jacket, black shirt and dark jeans.
Anyone with information that would help identify the suspect are asked to contact Detective Constable Mark Urie of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2338, Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
October 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There are going to be a surprising number of very prominent speakers in Burlington during the month of November.
 Tomson Highway Tomson Highway is being brought to the city by the Arts Council, that’s a citizen led group – at more than an arm’s length from city hall.
Moses Znaimer is being brought to the city as one of the Mayor’s Inspire series of speakers.
And Burlington Green is bringing David Suzuki in for a day in November.
That is an impressive list of people – they will add much depth to the conversations that take place in this city.
Each of the sponsoring groups deserve credit for making this happen.
 Moses Znaimer Moses Znaimer was the founder of the City TV network and one of the better thinkers this country has produced. He is a member of the Order of Canada and one of the people behind Much Music radio.
Znaimer, who has never been short of ideas, owns a commercial classical music radio station and is the founder of the Zoomer concept that caters to the interests and needs of the boomers who have become the Zoomers.
Znaimer will speak on the New Vision of Aging.
 David Suzuki David Suzuki, who is perhaps the best known environmentalist in this country and known around the world for his tireless efforts to educate a public about an environment that might not last.
Tomson Highway is a playwright, a musician and at times a very funny man.
All three are well worth your time.
Related articles:
Tomson Highway to speak in Burlington
David Suzuki will be at the Performing Arts Centre
Moses Znaimer to speak on Aging
 By Ray Rivers
October 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
A couple of weeks ago Canada’s Heritage Minister, Mélanie Joly, announced the country’s new creative industries strategy. There was more money for Canada’s creative sector but for the most part she and her announcement have largely been ignored or panned.
 Heritage Minister, Mélanie Joly One reason could be how she has been dealing with Netflix and internet streaming more generally. With virtually unlimited global access through the internet, Netflix and Amazon can be broadcast right into anyone’s home and not be subject to the (HST) as are the TV and cable broadcasters. And by the same token these streaming companies can escape Canada’s outdated domestic content rules.
So the government wrangled some Canadian content into Netflix by getting the US based company to invest half a billion dollars over the next five years into Canadian productions. Details are scarce as hen’s teeth, leaving the impression that this is a deal still at the concept stage. But what about the taxation issue?
 And what was really missing from her announcement is an indication as to how the government plans to deal with the evolution taking place with the daily news. The dailies are a dying breed as advertising revenue, circulation and employment are all in a downward spiral. And once the papers go, so too will the press associations which they support, the ones which provide front-line reporting of events upon which we should all depend.
Some broadcasters like our own CBC utilize their own staff reporters for many stories, and don’t rely solely on the Canadian press service. But broadcast news is also facing challenges, especially in the US, where the president has called what the networks report as ‘Fake News” and has threatened to pull their broadcasting licenses.
Of course he can’t really do that, given the arms length relationship between him and them, and those in that country who do manage media policy. And besides there is that constitutional first amendment. But what he has done with his bluster is erode the public’s confidence in conventional news media and create confusion about what President Trump’s people have called alternate facts.
Those alternate facts have abounded on social media, particularly given the intrusion into the US domestic social networks by the Russians. Even if we disregard those kinds of malicious and fraudulent cyber postings as transitional, there is a plethora of blogs and opinion pieces which masquerade as facts, and serve only to distort the truth.
 American President’s used to hold “Fireside” chats and talk to the public. Donald Trump chooses to tweet and tweet and tweet. Trump, is reported to only watch the Fox News TV channel, a network many mock for its misnomer of a moniker – ‘fair and balanced’. And he prefers to release his own news reports via Twitter from the peace and comfort of his inner sanctum in the White House, rather than at a news conference where reporters can clarify and ask questions. After all, he is the president.
Democracy resides on a three legged platform. Universal suffrage is one leg, the freedom to run as a candidate another. And the free communication of accurate information makes up the final support. Facts are critical, and it is fair game for opinion writers to interpret to their hearts’ content, within the bounds of reasonableness. But there is no such animal as an alternate fact.
 Does Netflix dominate? Canada has been well served by our traditional mixed media, a government owned public broadcaster provides balance to the private paper giants – and they in turn provide a check that the GBG/Radio Canada sticks to the message and doesn’t get seduced by who is providing the pay cheques. Perhaps that is why consideration of this aspect of our communications sector escaped the Heritage minister’s attention.
But even the giants are hurting and there are things a government can do help slow down the bleeding, such as greater advertising purchases. And fair taxation is just as important among the internet and other media as it is for small incorporated business owners.
That is something our negotiators need to keep in mind as they plod their way through these difficult NAFTA negotiations. After all, as the old adage goes, news is what’s in the newspapers.
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington in 1995. 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:
Turkey Talk and Rookie Ministers – Canadian Content – Canadian Content Updating – Canadian Press – Periodical Fund – Newspaper Ask –
Media Funding – Faking News – State of US Media – Threat to First Amendment –
By Staff
October 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Over the past three months various businesses within Burlington and Oakville have been victimized by an unknown male suspect, targeting staff member’s personal belongings.
The suspect would casually attend businesses in busy plazas, such as hair salons, dental offices, and massage parlours. The suspect would interact with employees as though he was a client of the business. When the opportunity presented itself the male would enter the staff room where the employee’s purses and belongings were kept and steal cash and gift cards located.
On one occasion the suspect was seen getting into a newer model 4-door silver Jeep Wrangler with a black hard top, no licence plate obtained.
The male is described as male, black, 45 – 55 years old, 5’10, heavy build, bald with a distinctive dark mustache.
Anyone who may have any further information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Autumn Mills of the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext: 2285, or Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
October 14th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
On October 12th 2017 at approximately 3:10 PM, police were alerted to a bicycle theft that had just occurred at the Mapleview Mall .
Police responded to the area where they located a man riding the stolen bicycle eastbound on Plains Road near Francis Rd. After being confronted by police, the man attempted to flee but was arrested a short distance away after a brief struggle.
A search incident to the arrest, police located a pair of bolt cutters, a cut cable lock and a quantity of crystal meth (5.4 grams) and 5 oxycontin pills.
Sean Michael BRAZIL (34-yrs) of Hamilton was held for bail charged with the following offences:
• Theft under $5000
• Mischief under $5000
• Assault with intent to resist arrest
• Possession of break-in instruments
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (crystal meth)
• Possession of a controlled substance (oxycontin).
There was a time when a bike could be left leaning against a building and it would be where you left it when you came back. Somewhere along the way we lost that respect for someone elses property. Police now remind cyclists to consider the following recommendations to prevent become a victim of theft:
 Record your bicycle’s make, model and serial number. Keep the information, along with a digital photo, in a safe place.
Make your bicycle as undesirable as possible. Consider removing decals or repainting your bicycles to disguise top-of-the-line models.
Consider a beater bicycle for everyday use. Leave expensive bicycles at home and commute on a less expensive, less appealing model.
Make your bicycle un-rideable. Remove wheels and saddles to make it impossible for thieves to ride away on your bicycle.
Report stolen bicycles or parts. While most of the time police can’t do anything to locate a stolen bicycle, they can take action if there are several thefts in a given area.
Don’t support the stolen bicycle black market. Buy only from reputable shops or from people you trust. If you are unsure, ask questions, request to see a receipt/registration or call the police.
 By Pepper Parr
October 13th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It has been a long time in getting to this point and the decision to take the plunge and transform the existing Joseph Brant Museum into a 17,000 square foot location was not a unanimous city council decision.
Councillors Jack Dennison and Marianne Meed Ward were not onside for this nor was Councillor John Taylor all that enthusiastic about the plans that were put forward – but all it took was the votes of four of the seven members of council – and that they got – so they moved on to the next step of breaking ground.
 Spades in place waiting for the breaking of the ground. Shortly before the spades were put into the ground Burlington MPP Eleanor announced that the province was going to come up with the final million that was needed to see the development as fully funded.
There was some concern about the $1 million actually coming from the province – but city council wanted this project so badly that they went out on a limb, decided which of the reserve accounts they would raid for the funds and hoped the province would come through.
With a budget that seem to have to edge into the 4% increase level each year and the discovery that Burlington transit is going to need a very healthy sum of money – that million as important.
 Barb Teatero and her husband during the round breaking ceremony for the transformed Brant Museum. With the immediate financial concerns covered the Museum Staff and the Museum Foundation Board gathered together and watched two indigenous dancers perform ceremonial dances and then took part in a smudging ceremony that was quite something to observe.
The weather held and the hope was expressed that 18 months from now a ribbon cutting ceremony would take place to open the site.
 Members of the White Pines Indigenous dance group atch while the dignitaries make the speeches. Aron Bell a noted indigenous story teller is in the center There are dozens of hurdles to overcome between now and then but Friday morning was an occasion to celebrate – the performances would have made Joseph Brant proud.
The original house was the building Joseph Brant died in – the structure on the site is a 1937 replica of the house Mohawk native Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, built on a 1798 Crown land grant.
A modern addition to the museum will be built into the grassy area under the current museum.
The expansion, a modern addition to the museum will be built into the grassy area under the current museum by contractor Aquicon Construction that will add more than 12,000 square feet to its current size.
The hope and the expectation is that the transformed Joseph Brant Museum will become a cultural destination and a place to host national exhibitions and the collection of artifacts.
 Indigenous dancer does a grass dance to prepare the land for the ground breaking. During the ground breaking event McMahon said that those who worked so hard to make the ground breaking possible will, at some future distant date, be lauded for the decision they made.
We should make a record of those people in the event that the public finds that lauding is not what gets done. There are a lot of questions to be asked and the requirement for much, much more in the way of transparency and accountability.
There is some pretty fast poker being played here.
 The traditional dance wear has 365 small bell sewn into the skirt. The Joseph Brant Museum Transformation will include total square footage of 17,000 square feet in the expanded site. Construction is expected to take 18 months, depending on weather
The total project amount is approved at about $11 million, which includes a contingency fund and allows for cost increases due to a winter construction period. Funding includes:
$3.4 million from the City of Burlington
$4.7 million from the Government of Canada
$1.5 million from the Province of Ontario
$2.5 million from the Joseph Brant Museum Foundation
The museum has 25,000 artifacts and receives a reported 18,000 visitors a year.
Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, was born in 1742 and died in 1807. In 1798, the Mohawk and British captain was granted 3,450 acres at the head-of-the-lake (Burlington Bay) by King George the third.
 The Joseph Brant tomb outside a Mohawk Chapel just outside Brantford, Ontario Brant’s body was carried by members of the Mohawk tribe from Burlington to Brantford, Ontario where his remains rest in a small white chapel,
By Staff
October 13th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Shortly before 9:00 PM, yesterday evening, a 55-year old female victim was walking to work when she was approached by a young man who asked her for a cigarette. The victim told the man that she didn’t smoke and they went their separate ways.
The victim continued to walk along Fairview Street west of Brant Street when the man reappeared and without warning, struck her in the back of the head, knocking her to the ground then ran away. The victim got up and continued to walk westbound on Fairview when the man approached her again; pushed her to the ground and stole her black & white “Sephora” bag then ran away. During the incident, the victim sustained scrapes to her hands and knees, a bloody nose and swelling on the back of her head.
The victim arrived at work and immediately reported the incident to police. The area where the incident occurred was searched by uniformed officers with the aid of a Police Service Dog however the male was not located.
Over three hours later (12:15 AM), a resident on Stephenson Drive caught a young man that had been observed breaking into cars in the area. Police responded and arrested the man. After further investigation, it was determined that he was the person responsible for the earlier incident.
Zachary Michael HELLICAR (18-yrs) of Treeland St in Burlington was held for bail charged with the following offences:
• Assault
• Robbery
• Theft under $5000 (two counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Fail to comply with recognizance
Detective Sergeant Hansen commented that “Investigators are extremely grateful to the resident on Stephenson Drive for helping apprehend and identify this man whose random violent behaviour posed a safety concern to the public”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2343 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637.
 By Cheryl DeLugt
October 12th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The intrinsic nature behind the school closures in Burlington is clearer than most may think. For almost a year now the Halton District School Board (HDSB) has been instrumental in its’ ability to have consistently provided the community a false sense of good intentions when it comes to closing our schools.
 Cheryl DeLugt and Steve Armstrong with the message from the community. Let’s face it….our schools were doomed, some would say…”A Done Deal”. Well, that was at least what was implied by the HDSB and how the majority of the community felt from the very beginning of the Program Accommodation Review Process (PAR). As the PAR process unfolded, it became more evident that closing a school or two was their primary objective.
The mere fact that our school was named and recommended to be closed in advance of any community input or public consultation, made it obvious the board had its own agenda, which in turn became the driving force behind the HDSB efforts to assure their plans to close Burlington high schools were achieved.
It now appears, to many community members, that the whole PAR process was intended to attain a controlled means of community input sufficient enough to claim community participation as part of the Halton District School Boards’ intent and plan to close two Burlington high schools. The process itself lacked honesty, transparency, logic, reason and effective community input. In addition, those who voted on the final decision were elected officials from outside of the affected communities, making the decision to close any schools in Burlington that much easier, or at least easier on one’s own conscience.
Fiscal responsibility to our community was by no means the predominate factor considered when making the decision to close our schools and if it was, a no school closure would have been given equal consideration. The cost savings of closing schools will be in the result of some staff savings and operating costs, but there will be added costs to decommission, insurance, maintenance, that will be added with closure. If one was to look at accounting for all costs, small schools such as Lester B Pearson are in fact more cost efficient on a per capita student basis than larger schools.
 Was Lester B. Pearson high school “doomed” from the beginning? Early on in the PAR process, it was apparent that there was reluctance and obstruction by the HDSB to engage in open and meaningful conversations with the general public and the communities affected by the school closures. This action alone revealed the school board’s lack of transparency and made many residents question the board’s motive for moving so quickly and forcefully to close our schools.
 Kim, a Lester B Pearson high school parent Perhaps the need for a greater emphasis on more open communication and input from our entire community including local and regional officials including the Mayor of Burlington, should have been actively part of the process. The Halton District School Board just recently announced its’ effort in exploring community partnerships now. In an effort of fairness, democracy, and the Ontario Ministry of Education principles, the HDSB had a moral and legal obligation to have explored other creative options more aggressively including possible community partnerships prior to proposing any school closures.
While the HDSB focuses their efforts on the transition process for Lester B Pearson high school and their desires for a “NEW” Administration building, many members of the community will now redirect their attention on the Burlington citizens appeal to the Ontario Ministry of Education now approved Administrative Review (AR).
With the AR soon underway, the need for better collaboration between the City of Burlington, its’ residents, and the Halton District School Boards prior restriction of information and the dissemination of correct, timely information in a transparent fashion will become apparent.
While the Halton District School Board continually reiterates to the public that the Administrative Review will NOT reverse their decision, it should indeed question it to a fair degree. The purpose of the Administrative Review (AR) is to thoroughly review the board’s honest commitment, integrity and ability to follow the HDSB and Ontario Ministry of Education policies while conducting the prior PAR process plus determine if there is need for HDSB procedural change.
 Ward 4 school board trustee Rachelle Papin at a school council meeting. In light of the approval of an AR, and with consideration of the facilitators findings, the community expects our elected Trustees to welcome the opportunity to openly review and change their June 7th, 2017 decision based on newly revealed supportive facts that the process they followed led them to a decision which was indeed without a doubt “flawed”.
After-all, how can and why would any school board or elected official stand behind a decision that they know was made using questionable methods, non- transparency and incorrect information and executed process?
A question we ALL should be asking at this point …especially the school board Trustees.
 Cheryl is a Registered Nurse who was a member of the Program Accommodation Review Committee that was unable to reach a consensus on which if any Burlington high schools should have been closed.
By Pepper Parr
October 12th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Two men, both from Aldershot, delegated at city council earlier this week – both had similar comments and both had problems getting their material into the record – no one knew what happened.
 Greg Woodruff, who ran for Chair of the Region in the 2014 election, had comments to make about the development planned for 35 Plains Road. While he didn’t like the idea of an additional two floors of density being given to a site that is zoned for six storeys – that wasn’t his biggest concern,
His objections to the 35 Plains road development were that the building is not of pedestrian scale. It is important he pointed out that we not create buildings which tower over the pedestrian walkway
Woodruff pointed out that the building does not comply with employment usage. This application he said seeks to remove employment space requirement and still want the “mixed use” designation.
The building is close to a transit hub, which allows people to commute to Toronto and would also allow people to commute to employment uses in Aldershot. There are people doing that now in Burlington.
Woodruff thought that 70% was a good requirement because it would create commercial pedestrian densities if enforced. “We are far better served with creating employment usage in the area than just residential. There is no vibrancy or transit enhancement created by people commuting to Toronto and gone from the area all day. Vibrancy requires people here all day – which employment usage properly creates.
 Woodruff then added that the 35 Plains Road proposal does not comply with the Aldershot Village vision. The vision calls for sites that have large landscaping and large generally open spaces.
Woodruff wants to see a minimum amenity area maintained. Zoning minimums are required because buyers can not asses reasonable levels. Creating a large number of small inexpensive low amenity units create a building were the major selling feature is low cost. Though this looks attractive at first long term it creates problems.
The developer wants the parking spaces reduced from a required 130 to a proposed 100 and have visitor parking reduced to 17 from the required 28 spaces.
Reduction of commercial parking is a mistake. While it is generally available vendors do no keenly enforce it.
Thus a shopper can park at once place and walk the near other businesses. At this site you can see someone using it and the adjacent bank without moving their car. However if customers cannot park easily vendors will enforce it – this requires movement of cars for every trip to every store.
We all know how this has worked out at the parking space at the No Frills plaza on Brant Street.
Woodruff told council of comments made by Brent Toderian at a public meeting. Toderian is a Vancouver based consultant who has done a considerable amount of work for Burlington who was asked:
How do you make density something that communities welcome?
 The Toderian line of thought – make sure that you’re spending the value on things that make density successful. Toderian responded: “I don’t support stupid density. I sometimes have as much concern about the YIMBY [Yes In My Backyard] movement as I do about the NIMBY movement. I don’t buy an absolute not-in-my-backyard, but I also don’t buy the argument that we should get rid of our zoning codes and have at it, build as much as we can. Both of those are the extreme.
Toderian was then asked: Explain density bonusing.
Toderian: “You have a base density, but [a developer] can increase to a higher density by negotiating amenities that make that higher density more livable. The key is to make sure that you’re spending the value on things that make density successful. Doing this “… gives the community a sense that the additional density is translating into something that’s going to support quality of life. They can see a connection between the additional density and amenities their community needs, but probably won’t be able to afford.
Woodruff doesn’t think the Planning department has taken to heart the Toderian line of thought. He suggested to Council that they were paying more attention to what the developer was asking for than they were to the zoning in place and the policies that had been adopted.
 Tom Muir recognizes the difference between evidence-based policy-making, and policy-based evidence making. Tom Muir, who has been delegating to city council for more than 25 years saw the same kind of thing happening but chose different language to make his point.
“In my 45 years of policy and issues analysis I learned to recognize the difference between evidence-based policy-making, and policy-based evidence making. This looks to be the latter – decide what you want first, and then pick the evidence.
Oftentimes, sections of the Policy Framework said to be used, are selectively chosen that support the recommendation to approve. Other parts raising issues of approval are sometimes stated, but not followed up on. As a result, the viability of existing business and commercial economic development is being sacrificed by planning recommendations such as this one. What I continue to find disturbing is the continued de-commercialization of Aldershot.
Muir made it clear that both the Provincial Policy Statement and the city’s Strategic Plan point to the need for commercial uses to be planned for and increased not reduced and the needs of existing business to be accounted for, not sacrificed. “But the proposal” said Muir, “contradicts what the policy calls for. It talks about complete communities, but goes in the opposite direction
“Aldershot is losing retail to residential builds. We are told there needs to be more residents to support retail, which is not generally true except for a grocery store. However, if you get the residents, but no longer have the land supply to build retail/commercial, and a cost structure that is not competitive, you still don’t get the commercial.
What seems to be missing is any representation of the present reality, of the real businesses, with real business value, real jobs with real employees, and real customers, who are being plowed under, forced to leave and maybe drive more. This is happening at an increasing pace. Who of you speaks for these folks? The only one around this table that made sense of this is Councillor Meed Ward.
 Tom Muir: Its pie in the sky to me, promising a Mobility Hub utopia where the business dead will rise again. Muir argues that “we are told that the mobility hub plans will take us to another place with everything we want, and that we should celebrate, although here fanciful speculations are blurring proper judgement more and more, with each new proposal that comes along. Its pie in the sky to me, promising a Mobility Hub utopia where the business dead will rise again. I can hardly call this “good planning”.
Delegations are made before the meat and potatoes part of city Council meetings.
Council voted 6-1 in favour of the 35 Plains Road development that will be eight storeys in height with the first six floors being basically flush to the sidewalk – no set back and no trees.
Councillor Craven held a community annual meeting last week at which he brought his constituents up to date on the numerous developments taking place in Aldershot – the Gazette will report on that event soon.
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