Pretty sure this is a first for high school students – a letter from the Director of Education explaining the possibility that their high school might close. Interesting decision.
October 27, 2016
Open letter to all Burlington high school students
Dear Students,
As you have no doubt heard, the Board of Trustees of the Halton District School Board voted last week to begin a process to look at student accommodation issues in our Burlington high schools. The process is called a Program Accommodation Review or PAR. I am writing to explain a bit about this process, but more importantly, to let you know that your input will be important in this process.
 Why do we need a “PAR” process?
The Halton District School Board has initiated the Program Accommodation Review because we have schools with declining enrollment. As the Director of Education, I have a responsibility to provide excellent programs and environments for learning. I need to ensure all secondary school students in our Board have access to the best possible education we can deliver.
According to the Board’s Program Accommodation Review policy, the Director’s Preliminary Report must include a staff recommended option. This recommendation is not a final decision, but a starting point for consultation in this PAR. Staff has recommended Option 19 which proposes various boundary and program changes across Burlington secondary schools, as well as the closure of Lester B. Pearson High School and Burlington Central High School.
The PAR process will begin in November with information sessions held at each Burlington high school. You are welcome to attend these sessions and learn more about this process and help you formulate your own opinions. These evening meetings are on November 1, 3, 14 and 15. Refer to the HDSB website at www.hdsb.ca for more details. If you are unable to attend, the presentation will be posted on the Board’s website.
On November 21 at 7 p.m., Board staff will join me in hosting a live online question and answer session. Log on at www.hdsb.ca . Your questions are most welcome.
The Board of Trustees will make their decision in May 2017; however the earliest date that any changes could take place is September 2018.
As high school students your opinion is valued. The decisions made by the PAR committee will profoundly impact your school experience and those who follow you. In the New Year, the PAR committee will gather feedback from Burlington high school students. We want to hear your voice!
As a parent and educator I understand many of you are deeply loyal to your school, your teachers, and the school traditions that have developed over many years.
 However, as the Director of Education, I need to ensure all Burlington high school students have equitable access to programs that allow them to explore and enhance their true potential. The PAR process will look at this issue and investigate various options to address the challenge that many Burlington high school students are experiencing.
I encourage you to stay informed and engaged in the PAR process. We will keep you informed through ongoing information posted on our website at www.hdsb.ca
We will provide more details about how you can share your input in the New Year.
Sincerely,
Stuart Miller, Director of Education, Halton District School Board
 By Staff
October 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Thus is one of those event you want to order your ticket for now – they do go quickly.
The Art Gallery has been putting on this event for 20 years – this is the 20th anniversary of an event that has become a favourite fall fundraising event!
 Hundreds of hand made bowls await the guests who take part in the annual Soup Bowl lunch at the Art Gallery The event brings together hundreds of people to select a handmade ceramic bowl and pair it with a gourmet soup from a local restaurant, all for a great cause. Last year we welcomed 900 guests and raised over $30,000
 The set up is very tastefully done – the room sparkles. They do up the space nicely for a lunch that is a bowl of soup.
The funds raised support children’s programming, including Open Studio (a free drop in art centre for kids), diversified program offerings, and financial assistance for youth.
Thursday Nov 24 Lunch – 12pm
Very limited tickets available – call us at 905-632-7796 to purchase
Friday Nov 25 Lunch – 12pm
Very limited tickets available – call us at 905-632-7796 to purchase
Saturday Nov 26 Lunch – 12pm
Individual Tickets: $40 AGB Member, $50 Non-member
Tables of 8: $300 AGB Member, $375 Non-Member
Sunday Nov 27 Lunch – 12pm
Individual Tickets: $40 AGB Member, $50 Non-Member
Tables of 8: $300 AGB Member, $375 Non-Member
 By Pepper Parr
October 27, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
This is really a Georgetown story – but there is a lesson for all of us in this one. We are expected to take care of each other.
On October 5th, 2016 Halton Region Paramedic Services were summoned to a Georgetown address by Community Care and Access Centre staff to assess a 91 year old female client requiring medical assistance. The female patient was subsequently transported to Georgetown Hospital.
It was determined that the victim was suffering from the ill effects of not receiving proper care. She was malnourished, weak, unkempt and had been residing in soiled linens and clothing. Halton Regional Police Services were contacted and the One District Criminal Investigations Bureau conducted an investigation.
As a result, on October 25th, 2016 a 63 year old man from Georgetown was arrested and charged with failing to provide the necessities of life.
 “The elderly victim was found living in deplorable conditions. This was an excellent example of team work and collaboration between the internal resources of the police service and external partners. The Halton Regional Police Community Mobilization Bureau and Criminal Investigations Bureau, Seniors Liaison Team along with Halton Paramedic Services and the Community Care Access Centre worked together in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion,” said Detective Sergeant Dave Costantini. “More importantly, because of this collaboration a vulnerable member of our community has been rescued from unthinkable conditions and I am happy to report she is expected to make a full recovery.”
Section 215 of the Criminal Code of Canada says it is an offence if an individual fails to provide necessaries of life to a person under his or her charge. Specifically subsection (C)(i) states, “if that person is unable, by reason of detention, age, illness, mental disorder or other cause, to withdraw himself from that charge.”
Detective Sergeant Costantini summarized; “This means it is a criminal offence if you do not provide the necessary care to someone that is in your care and that cannot leave your care due to their age, illness or other cause. The necessaries of life refer to those things necessary to preserve life, such as food, shelter, medical attention and protection from harm.”
Anyone who may have information that would assist investigators in this case are encouraged to contact D/C Sarah McCullagh – Seniors Liaison Investigator at 905-78-5511 ext: 2419 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
October 26, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Do you remember the day you first went to school? It was certainly a different time – we live in a different world.
To start with there are no longer rows of desks.
The Halton District School Board wants to make that transition as smooth as possible. In November and December, future students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend one of five Kindergarten Open Houses to learn more about starting school.
 The years in school will probably be longer than the time they spend in any one job. Drop by any one of the following open houses between 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Georgetown:
Thursday, Nov. 3 – Ethel Gardiner Public School (14365 Danby Road)
Burlington:
Thursday, Nov. 10 – Bruce T. Lindley Public School (2510 Cavendish Dr.)
Milton:
Thursday, Nov. 17 – Tiger Jeet Singh Public School (650 Yates Dr)
Acton:
Tuesday, Nov. 22 – Robert Little Public School (41 School Ln)
Oakville:
Thursday, Dec. 1 – West Oak Public School (2071 Fourth Line)
At the Open House, students and parents will:
• Explore a Kindergarten classroom
• Learn about play-based learning
• Pick up information and resource material in a free backpack
• Access information about community agencies and resources in Halton
• Get information about before and after school care
• Connect with special education staff to discuss any developmental concerns
Children born in 2013 can start Kindergarten in September 2017.
Registration for Kindergarten begins in January 2017 and takes place at the school your child will attend.
View our video to see what you will learn about the Board’s Kindergarten program.
 By Staff
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They are known as the Invasive Shrub Removal Volunteers Thy have been gathering every Saturday since mid-October at the Nature Interpretive Centre on the north side of Cootes Paradise, RBG Arboretum 16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton ON.
There efforts come to an end November 19th, 2016, 9am to 1pm. RBG staff will provide you with a parking pass for the day*
 Royal Botanical Gardens’ Nature Sanctuaries protect over 900 hectares of woodlands and wetlands. They are an important stopover for migratory birds and a biodiversity hotspot. The health and sustainability of our Nature Sanctuaries is being threatened by non-native, invasive species.
YOU can help RBG’s Natural Lands staff preserve biodiversity by participating in our invasive species removal volunteer events. Volunteers will protect our important interior forest ecosystems by extracting and destroying non-native invasive shrubs.
Remember – Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Please wear closed toed shoes, and bring a portable lunch and water bottle. The RBG will provide water, apple cider, snacks and all of the equipment and training required.
NOTE: Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign a volunteer waiver
To RSVP please visit the link to the RBG website below or call 905-527-1158 x257
Cancelations due to inclement weather will be posted on RBG’s Facebook page and tweeted (@RBGCanada).
 By Staff
October 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Hurd Avenue will be closed at Birch Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 26
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The intersection will be closed to install a new sanitary sewer.
 By Staff
October 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a quickie – took less than ten minutes that included a recorded vote.
City Council voted for the recommendation that came out of the Development and Infrastructure Standing Committee to not Approve the revised application the ADI Development Group put before the city last June.
This was the final step the city is able to take now that the matter is fully in the hands of the Ontario Municipal Board.
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward said the proposed ADI Development group plans for the intersection of Martha Street and Lakeshore Road was over-development of the property and should not be permitted. The only person to speak to the motion was Councillor Marianne Meed Ward who said the proposal was an over-development of the site. She added that something would be built on the property but that “this wasn’t it”.
Councillors Sharman and Dennison did not attend the council meeting.
Whatever gets built on the property at the intersection of Martha Street and Lakeshore Road is now in the hands of the Ontario Municipal Board.
That Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday and Friday of this week for a pre-meeting that will clarify just what is going to be heard at the hearing scheduled for February of 2017
 Mayor Rick Goldring during the Monday Special Council meeting. The motion voted on yesterday was to endorse the staff recommendation to oppose amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law that would be required to permit the revised development proposal as outlined in this report for 374 and 380 Martha Street; and
Direct the City Solicitor and Director of Planning and Building to confirm Council’s opposition to the revised development proposal at the Ontario Municipal Board hearing in this matter.
By Staff
October 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 This crew will probably not be clearing the leaves from your property. A loose leaf collection service is provided to Burlington residents in the fall of each year. This program is in addition to the yard waste collection service provided by Halton Region.
Please follow the guidelines below to help ensure a timely and cost-effective leaf collection program:
 You can print this out and put it on the fridge. Have your loose leaves raked and ready for pickup just prior to the start date for your collection area.
Be mindful of collection dates and avoid raking leaves to the road too early.
Place leaves up to the edge of the curb or roadway (but not on the road) in a loose pile so city equipment can reach them.
Ensure loose leaves are not covering catch basins or in the ditches in front of your home.
Make sure leaves do not contain branches or other debris. Leaves mixed with other waste cannot be collected.
Avoid placing leaves on sidewalks and walkways.
Remove basketball nets, parked vehicles and other obstructions from the road to allow city crews clear access to leaf piles.
Do not place garbage bags, garbage bins, Blue Boxes or GreenCarts on top of loose-leaf piles.
 By Staff
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Local artist and newly appointed Co-President of the Burlington Fine Art Association, Vanessa Cress Lokos invites you to her exhibition, “Suspended.” Vanessa has a lengthy history with the Art Gallery of Burlington as a volunteer, staff and guild member.
The exhibit takes place October 29 – November 28, 2016; opening reception is Sunday November 6, 2:00 – 4:30 pm in the Fireside Lounge / 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON
 Suspended This body of work speaks to time and to all things suspended, literally and figuratively. Inspired by the diversity of landscape, it’s unnoticed details and the unexpected.
Primarily through the forgotten tradition of glaze oil painting, Vanessa explores luminous colour and depth. Whether derived from open air or first captured with a lens, these paintings compel the viewer to slow their pace and contemplate the beauty around us.
 Vanessa Cress Lokos Vanessa Cress Lokos obtained a BA with a Concentration in Visual Arts from the University of Ottawa. Her travels led her through Europe and eventually to Melbourne, Australia, where she continued to study art, exhibited and sold her work. Vanessa has also exhibited in Georgetown, Mississauga, Toronto, Waterdown, and juried exhibitions in Burlington and Hamilton. Vanessa is a member of a variety of art organizations including the Burlington Fine Arts Association and the Canadian Glaze Oil Society.
An Honourable Mention was awarded to Vanessa and members of the BFAA for a collaborative work at the Art Gallery of Burlington. Her work has been accepted and sold at several AGB live Art Auctions.
By Staff
October 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a violent world out there – for the most part the average person is protected from it.
The Members of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Provincial Anti-Violence Strategy (PAVIS) Team announced that they have arrested 17 individuals as a result of a multi-agency initiative involving six partner police services.
Over the past several weeks, the PAVIS Team has tracked down persons wanted for criminal offences in Ontario and other provinces, specifically Quebec. PAVIS Team officers compiled lists of wanted individuals, confirmed that warrants were still in good standing, and completed backgrounds on intended targets. The HRPS worked closely with the Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal (SVPM) and Crown Attorney’s Office to coordinate arrests of the wanted parties.
Southern Georgian Bay O.P.P., Ottawa Police Service, Service de Police de la Ville de Quebec (SVPQ), and Kingston Police Service assisted in the execution of this project. The HRPS also supported Hamilton Police Service with the return of a wanted party.
All told, eight offenders in Montreal and nine in Ontario were arrested as a result of a three day blitz, which ran from October 17 to 19. They face more than 45 charges, including Assault, Break and Enter, Fraud, Utter Threats to Cause Death, and Breach of Probation.
The project, and the resulting arrests, were made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and will be ongoing through the end of December, 2016.
Follows is a summary of the individuals arrested and associated charges.
Halton Regional Police Service warrants arrested by SVPM:
1. Janvier BETCHLEY (2013) – Theft of Motor Vehicle
2. Sylvain COALLIER (2010) – Break and Enter x 6 (also wanted in Ottawa for Break and Enter, Break and Enter Tools, and Breach of Probation)
3. Guy COALLIER (2010) – Break and Enter x 6 (also wanted in Kingston for Break and Enter, and Mischief Under $5000)
4. Chyan BOWEN (2015) – Unauthorized Use of Credit Card, Fraud Over $5000, Possess Counterfeit x 2, and Failure to Attend Court
5. Bernard THERRIEN (2016) – Unauthorized Use of Credit Card, Fraud Over $5000, Possess Counterfeit x 2, and Failure to Attend Court
6. Ashley JACOBS (2014) – Assault, Breach of Probation, Failure to Comply Undertaking, and Fail to Attend Court
7. Michael CRICK (2015) – Fail to Comply Probation, and Fail to Attend Court (Hamilton warrant)
8. Junior BELLAMY (2013) – Theft of Motor Vehicle
Montreal warrants arrested by Halton Regional Police Service:
1. Jean LAVEAU (1999) – Utter Threats to Cause Death
2. Michael McHENRY (1991) – Break and Enter Intent, Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
3. Steven POLYNICE (2009) – Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Breach of Probation, Obstruct, Breach of Recognizance, Utter Threats to Cause Death, and Outstanding Warrants x5
4. Cuong NGUYEN (2009) – Outstanding Warrant x1 (SVPM (2009) for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cannabis, Production of Cannabis (Marihuana). Also faces charges in Guelph for Theft, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x 2, and Possession Marihuana
5. Thi HOANG (2009) – Outstanding Warrant x1 (SVPM (2009) for Obstruct in relation to Cuong NGUYEN. Also faces charges in Guelph for Theft, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x 2, and Possession of Marihuana
6. Paul ROARKE (2004) – Theft, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and Possess Break and Enter Tools
7. Richard SMITH (2013) – Obstruct Justice
8. Peter HONSBERGER (2003) – Credit Card Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
9. Jonathan DIAS (2005/2006) – Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Fraud, and a Committal Warrant
If anyone has information on wanted parties or parties who are breaching their conditions of their release, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text Tip201 to CRIMES (274637), or contact Sergeant Paul Harrower (Milton/Halton Hills) at 905-825-4747 ext. 2467, Detective Constable Tim Woollands (Oakville) at 905-825-4747 ext. 2208, and/or Sergeant Dwayne Perron (Burlington) at 905-825-4747 ext. 2387.
The Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (PAVIS) is a multi-agency program run through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has been participating in this program since 2007.
The most recent submission to the PAVIS program was initiated in 2016 and was approved by the Ministry later that year. The approved funding term concludes on December 31, 2016. The submission that was made and approved is built around the HRPS response to Community Safety Planning in Halton Region.
Strategies include increased resources for weekend/evening patrols of individuals who fail to comply with court-imposed conditions; ensuring compliance through increased checks; stakeholder collaboration with external partners for matters pertaining to the sentencing of offenders, and; additional resources to pursue arrest warrants.
During this funding term, the HRPS will continue partnering with stakeholders to increase organizational and community capacity to prevent and address recidivism through the application of risk-based interventions.
Take a closer look at the reasons for these people being arrested – they are serious offences.
 By Pepper Parr
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Should the Halton District School Board trustees decide that the Lester B. Pearson High School should be closed and its students asked to attend M.M. Robinson instead that would bring to an end a school that was created for the community more than forty years ago when the idea of a community school was considered important.
 Great way to get an idea as to just what the alphabet is for the nursery set. The Pearson school was made even more unique when a Co-op nursery program was included. That nursery now provides classes for close to 100 children.
There are morning and afternoon sessions in a setting that will be very very hard to replicate.
Fiona Wielhouwer, with a certificate that is the equivalent to the Canadian Early Childhood Education that she earned in the United Kingdom, is the supervisor who reports to a nine parent volunteer board. That board may have a very serious and perhaps daunting task ahead of them.
 Tucked in at the very back of the high school the nursery has a seperate entrance and a secure well outfitted playground. The nursery co-op was planned as part of a school that would serve the wider community. A school the size of Pearson would normally have two gymnasiums – Pearson has three. The intention right from the beginning was to make the space available to everyone in the community.
The nursery serves as a student placement location for those who think they might want to work in the childhood care field. It is also affiliated with both Sheridan and Mohawk colleges where Early Childhood courses are given.
Fiona Wielhouwer explains that the nursery uses an enquiry based approach to the care they give the children. “We aren’t a drop and run location – we work with the parents and prepare the children for the JK and SK classes they will move on to – during their time with us the children get used to the idea of being away from Mommy for short periods of time and they learn to mix with other children.
The nursery interacts with the high school but administratively it is a separate organization. We do get help from the IT people in the high school and when we need something from the shop people they work with us.
 Portables that were once necessary are now empty – a sign of the enrollment decline. As a community school it works. Pearson was never intended as a large high school. When enrollment exceeded the capacity a bunch of portables were stuck at the front of the school – they are now empty.
When the school was created it was intended as a “lab” school – a place where different ideas would be tested. The co-op nursery in a school has worked out very well. Some of that original thinking seems to have been forgotten and now it is a matter of numbers.
There are now parents who have their children in the nursery – there was a time when they were in the nursery and then attended the high school.
The city is said to have invested some money in the school when it was built and the belief is that the Region supports the nursery financially.
There was a time when there were community clubs in the school – the place was a real community hub – that too seems to have been given up on.
 Current Director of Education for the HDSB, Stuart Miller was once the vice principal at Pearson. The school is now set out as the preferred option of the board staff for closing – the current Director of Education Stuart Miller was once the Vice principal at the school and he knows what kind of a school it is – however, his job requires him to initiate the process of determining if a school should be closed when it falls below 65% of its capacity utilization.
It is now up to the trustees to determine of the school should close – and it is up to the parents to inform the trustees as to what they want.
For the children – this week is all about pumpkins – especially the ghost pumkins.
 By Staff
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
More public art.
 The public art painted on the King Road grade separation a number of years ago was done by Judy Mayer-Grieve and was reasonably well accepted. A new program through Burlington Public Art – the Park Marker Program will be drawing on the success of the Burlington Mural Project, which commissions local artists to create murals.
Additional detail on the mural project has been added to the end of this article.
 Teresa Seaton did the art work that is in Amherst Park park next to a community garden. The art has been tempered and will easily withstand the winter weather. The Park Marker Program will focus on public art sculpture.
This annual program will commission artists to create small-scale sculptures in neighbourhood parks throughout the city. These commissions are open exclusively to artists residing in Burlington, Ont. Applicants do not need previous public art and/or sculpture experience to apply to this program.
Applications are due Monday, December 12, 2016.
About the Park Marker Program
Applications for the 2016 program are now open! Please visit the Calls for Artists page to download the Request for Proposals and access the online application system.
There will be a workshop on Saturday, November 12, 2016, Time: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Central Library, Holland Room, 2331 New Street that will give you helpful insight into planning your project and preparing a great submission that will get you noticed by the jury.
The workshop will start with a brief overview of the Park Marker program and 2016/17 projects followed by a session led by artist Matthew Walker. Matthew will give helpful tips and tricks on preparing your submission and the steps you need to take to conceptualize your project. Following a brief break, public art fabricator Mike Bilyk will lead a session exploring material choices for outdoor sculpture and pointers on working with a fabricator.
This workshop is FREE and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Tuesday November 8th by visiting https://parkmarker.eventbrite.com
Workshop Facilitators
Matthew Walker: Matthew Walker is a Hamilton artist whose sculpture-based practice incorporates diverse technical approaches to object-making in public spaces. He has been involved in the production of public art in a range of capacities, including designing public calls, adjudication, receiving commissions, and engaging with other artists in the field as a technical mentor and advisor. For over a decades and a half, Matthew’s work as a facilitator has exposed him to a diversity of practices and conceptual approaches to art making that reflect the expansive experiences that are possible in the creation of public work.
During this workshop Matthew will provide insight into the processes behind the commissioning of artwork. How are calls for public art designed? How does the commissioning process take shape? What are some of the criteria that are considered when assessing a submission? Emerging artists seeking to enter the field of public art will find this discussion useful as they reflect on what approaches they may take in designing their work for public space, and, how to prepare an application.
Matthew’s current and previous work experiences includes being a member of The Town of Banff’s Public Art Committee, Supercrawl’s Curatorial Committee and as the Sculpture Facilitator at the Banff Centre’s international residency program. Matthew is currently working on a public commission for Artfarms in Buffalo, NY. You can look at what this artist does at – https://matthewwalkersculpture.carbonmade.com
Mike Bilyk is the President of Lafontaine Ironwerks, a custom metal fabrication and installation company located in Tiny, Ontario. Over the past 16 years, Lafontaine Ironwerks have developed a unique specialty in working with artists to develop and deliver complex public art projects. Mike and his team have worked with numerous internationally renowned artists including: Douglas Coupland, Michel DeBroin, John McEwan and Vito Acconci. Lafontaine Ironwerks works closely with artists from concept through to finished product to ensure the utmost in quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
For this workshop, Mike will give workshop participants a behind-the-scenes look into some of the large-scale projects produced by Lafontaine Ironwerks. Mike will also cover material choices and installation techniques for outdoor public art sculpture as well as helpful tips and tricks to consider when working with a fabricator.
https://www.liwi.ca
One-on-one Application Review Sessions: November 30, 2016, Times: 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.*
Location: Burlington City Hall (426 Brant St.)
Artists preparing a submission to the Park Marker program may book a 30-minute session with the Public Art Manager to review a draft of their application package and get constructive feedback.
Attendance is optional and appointments must be booked in advance. To book an appointment please contact: Kim Selman, kim@cobaltconnects.ca or 905-548-0111
The first round of public art was a collection of paintings in public places. The city’s public art adviser ran a juried competition and the following six people were selected:
 Tamara Kwapich did the mural in Orchard Community Park; once the location for some of the best apple orchards in the province. • Judy Mayer-Grieve: King Road Underpass, Ward 1
• Claire Hall: Freeman Station, Ward 2
• Teresa Seaton: Amherst Park, Ward 3
• Hannah Sell and Liam Racine: Port Nelson Park, Ward 4
• Tamara Kwapich: Orchard Community Park, Ward 5
• Donna Grandin: Ireland Park, Ward 6
 Hannah Sell and Liam Racine did the art work that is located in the small Port Nelson Park where it will be seen by thousands. There was a time when tonnes of timber was shipped from a wharf at the foot of the park.
By Staff
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
We ran a piece a number of weeks ago about the high number of traffic tickets handed out in the Waterdown Road part of the city. The reaction from our readers was interesting.
The work the police are doing isn’t going to end – Halton Regional Police officers from 30 Division have been running two traffic initiatives across the City of Burlington throughout 2016.
 Operation RISC (Reducing Intersection Safety Concerns) has been in effect since 2015 by officers from 30 Division, in order to maximize police visibility and increase the public’s perception of safety while driving.
Collisions at intersections have a high risk potential of serious injuries or even death, making intersection safety a priority for the Halton Regional Police. The most common contributing factors are inattentiveness, distracted driving (cell phone use), failing to yield, driving too fast for road conditions, following too closely and disobeying traffic light signals.
The Halton Regional Police have also continued the Residential Traffic/Stop Sign/Speeding (RTSS) Initiative in order to deliver a clear message to drivers that our residential roads are not raceways. This traffic safety initiative was designed to increase compliance of stop signs. Police have utilized education and enforcement strategies throughout 2016 in order to reduce the speeds of vehicles travelling on residential roadways and to promote safer driving habits.
During the first 9 months of 2016, officers in Burlington conducted 8,137 traffic stops, issued 7,937 Provincial Offences Notices and handed out more than 400 warnings to drivers. Furthermore, Halton Police spent a total of 3,167 hours dedicated to these 2 initiatives throughout Burlington.
Police will continue to focus their efforts on intersections that pose a higher risk to the public based on past collision analytic data. “Accidents can be prevented if all drivers slowed down and were less distracted behind the wheel,” said Sgt. Jared McLeod, District Response Unit.
Halton Regional Police is committed to reducing motor vehicle collisions in an effort to provide a safer community. Halton Regional Police is further committed to reducing dangerous and aggressive driving behaviours that put all road users at risk. Operation RISC and Residential Traffic/Stop Sign/Speeding (RTSS) will continue throughout the City of Burlington.
If any citizen would like to report a traffic concern they can do so by visiting the HRPS website and submitting an online traffic complaint:
https://www.haltonpolice.ca/services/reporting/trafficcomplaints.php
 By Pepper Parr
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an Ontario Arts Council workshop where valuable guidance on applying to the OAC’s Visual Artists grants program for individual artists is available. They can answer any questions you may have about applying for funding.
 Taking place at Hamilton Artists Inc., 155 James Street North, Hamilton, Ontario. Attendance is free but registration in advance is requested by Wednesday November 2 at 5:00pm.
It is being put on by the Hamilton Arts Council Visual Arts Committee – no reason why someone from Burlington can’t attend.
There is also the November 22 deadline of the Visual Artists: Emerging program is one of the few OAC programs selected as a pilot for a new online grant application system. This session will highlight some of the changes artists will see online, and provide some information on further Visual Arts program updates coming up in 2017.
To learn more about these upcoming changes, visit https://www.arts.on.ca/Page6375.aspx
Attendance is free but registration in advance is requested by Wednesday November 2 at 5:00pm.
 By Pepper Parr
October 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a team of four people, Dania Thurman, Michael Kukhta, Lynn Crosby and David Sykes, who rely heavily on parents from Central High School that are putting together the argument for keeping Central High open.
 At a Central high school parents meting they identified some of the issues that needed to be researched. At their most recent strategy – planning meeting, they wrote out a list of topics they need to research to make their case for keeping the high school open.
The topics have been assigned to different attendees at the meeting who volunteered to look at them. The leadership team believes there are many more “out there” who can also help out with the research and who might have additional topics that need to be researched.
Set out below are the topics they have identified. They expect that as the research work progresses some will naturally merge with others. If anyone has any information, articles or research on one of these topics (or any other) to share with the group as a whole, send it along to them at: info@centralstrong.ca If you would like to add your name to one of the topics and be connected with the person doing it please email them so introductions can be made.
What will they do with this research? They want to ensure that their trustees on the PAR Committee have it, so they can present it and use it at the committee meetings and use it in letters to the committee during the public input sessions.
People can use any of this research to present at the 5-minute “public delegation” sessions to the trustees that are scheduled for April 18, 2017 and any other meetings where delegations are allowed. Their objective is to convince trustees that closing Central is not the best option.
 The trustees will make the final decision next May. Parents are going to have to work with their trustees and convince them of the merits of the arguments they put forward. “It is important that Trustees receive letters on any of these topics or other factors you feel will make an impact. Simply explaining your own personal thoughts on why Central is so important to you and your family is also very important, ” suggested the team leaders.
The Program Accommodation Review (PAR) process begins officially on December 1 with an orientation session that will take place in each high school.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Robert Bateman HS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Nelson HS 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, November 3, 2016 Aldershot HS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, November 3, 2016 Burlington Central HS 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, November 14, 2016 Lester B. Pearson HS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, November 14, 2016 M.M. Robinson HS 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
These is just orientation sessions – there will be no Q&A. Just the facts as the HDSB sees it all.
The first public meeting is on December 8.
The PAR Committee (with two representatives) will work through January, February and March.
A second public meeting will be held on March 2.
The Director will then prepare a report with all of the compiled feedback.
April 18 will be another public delegation night.
The BCHS parent group wants to see a big turnout of supporters at all of the public sessions. The final report will be presented to the Board of Trustees on May 3 and they will vote on it on May 17.
The BCHS goal is to show the Board why their recommended option is the wrong one.
Here are the topics the BCHS parents are going to research. The list may expand and some of the topics may merge.
 Some of the issues to be looked into that came out of a BCHS parent meeting. – Accessibility issues – Cheryl
– Partnerships – Shawna
– School Profiles (SIPs) – Maureen – this is a vital one and Maureen will likely need group input with this
– Transportation/bussing – Kevin
– Benefits of small schools – Heather
– City Strategic plan – Marianne
– Urban Growth Centre – Marianne
– Data collection/missing data/incorrect data – Mike Matich
– History of BCHS – Deborah and Lynn
– Market Share of Students – Deborah and Lynn
– Impact on 7/8 Students – Theresa and Dania
– Number of Seats Available vs. used – data – Stacey
– Socioeconomic Impact – Dania and Paul
– Alternate Options – Emil
– Fundraising/Alumni Support (compared to other schools) – Theresa and Laura
– The Process – Josie, Allison
– Appeal Process – Mike, Allison
– Ministry Funding Formula – Josie, Lynn and Deborah
– Special Programs at BCHS – Courtney and Karen
– Projected Numbers/Data – Andrew
– Costs/Capital – Phil and Todd
– Challenging Board Assumptions – Josie (other research on other topics will feed into this)
Other topics that should be considered as recommended by Terry Ruf and others include:
– Catholic Board PAR/LTAP interaction
– Strengths of Grade 7-12 schools
– Advantages of unified cohorts coming from feeder schools
There were 19 options identified. The Board staff chose to go forward with Option 19 however the PARC is free to use any other option or a mix of several options. The options were possibilities as the board staff saw things.
Option 13 makes a statement about unified cohorts, acknowledging this advantage, yet Option 19 will see split cohorts coming out of Central Public and Tom Thompson (depending what happens to the 7/8) as well as FI students from Pineland
 A Tim Hortons is considered part of a “complete community” Should the high school actually close – the revenue stream at this Tim Hortons is going to take a big hit. – Community School culture – Terry Ruf sees this in Central but is not sure all the high schools has what Central has. Central is suffering from some tunnel vision on this one. Pearson has a culture every bit as rich as Central.
– Central does have a unique configuration its Jk to graduation is unique. Does it limit the horizons of a student who does every day of their public school education in one location?
There is a lot of work to be done – and the parents at Central are well into it.
 The parents at Pearson have begun their work – they do have some catching up to do and they do have a very unique situation to deal with: – The Co-op nursery that has been part of that school for more than 40 years which the Gazette will report on.
By Staff
October 24, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is that time of year again – needle in the arm. The province is reminding people to protect themselves and get their flu shot.
The free flu vaccine will be available in Ontario starting this week, so that people can better protect themselves against the flu virus and stay healthy.
 Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon, and now Minister of Tourism, Sport and Culture getting her flu shot last year. The vaccine will be available at doctor’s offices, local public health units and community immunization clinics. Anyone five years of age and older can also be vaccinated for free by trained pharmacists at approximately 2,600 pharmacies across the province.
Influenza is a serious respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalization and even death. It’s important to get the flu shot every year to protect yourself, and those around you. Children under five, pregnant women and seniors are especially at risk of getting seriously ill from the flu. The vaccine is very safe and helps to protect against the most common strains of the virus.
People are also reminded to take everyday measures to protect themselves from the flu:
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, not your hand
• Clean and disinfect surfaces often, such as countertops, telephones and keyboards; flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to eight hours
In 2015-16, approximately 2,500 participating pharmacies administered more than 869,000 doses of publicly funded influenza vaccine.
The flu vaccine is offered free of charge to anyone over the age of six months who either lives, works, or goes to school in Ontario.
Children and youth between the ages of five and 17 years can get the flu vaccine as an injection or nasal spray at a health care provider’s office, local public health unit or at a participating pharmacy.
Kids under five years of age must get the flu vaccine at a health care provider’s office or participating public health unit.
 Former Burlington MPP Jane McKenna got her annual flu shot from Anita Sahu at the Rexall Pharmacy on Guelph Line. A number of years ago when this program was introduced the Gazette went along to one of the pharmacies giving the free flu shots. Jane McKenna was the MPP at the time. when she arrived at the pharmacy she said hello and asked why I was there and I said I was going to take a picture of her getting her flue shot. “You know they put the needle into your bum – don’t you – and that’s the picture I want. McKenna’s jaw dropped but her daughter, who was with her took the fun out of the comment when she said: “Mom – he’s pulling your leg.”
By Pepper Parr
October 24, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The meetings to explain the Program Accommodation Review to patents will take place on the dates and at the high schools set out below.
Date School Time
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Robert Bateman HS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Nelson HS 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, November 3, 2016 Aldershot HS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, November 3, 2016 Burlington Central HS 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, November 14, 2016 Lester B. Pearson HS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, November 14, 2016 M.M. Robinson HS 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
 There is a lot of work to be done on the part of parents. Central High school parents set out the tasks as they saw them. Once parents have an understanding of the process the Program Accommodation Review Committee (PARC) gets set up.
The members of the PARC (there will be just the one committee) will be:
A Trustee as an ad hoc member, and Superintendent, both from an area not under study;
From each affected school:
the school Principal or designate (resource only)
two parents/guardians from each school, one of whom will be nominated by the School Council Chair; the other will be selected by the Superintendent(s) through the submission by parents of an expression of interest.
The Superintendent will review all parent representation and endeavor to ensure that all affected geographic areas and programs are represented.
A municipal Councillor will be invited to the committee once the committee is formed.
This is not going to be a small committee”
1 trustee
1 Superintendent
14 parents
7 principals
1 municipal Councillor
Our count is 24 people.
Timeline for the complete process:
PAR Initiated
October 19, 2016 (Done)
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
 Expect to see rooms full of parents for the next number of months. This was the first parents meeting for Central High school parents. Formation and orientation of Program and Accommodation Review Committee (PARC)
December 1, 2016
TBD
Public Meeting #1
December 8, 2016
TBD
PARC Working Meeting #1
January 26, 2017
TBD
PARC Working Meeting #2
February 2, 2017
TBD
PARC Working Meeting #3
February 9, 2017
TBD
Public Meeting #2
March 2, 2017
TBD
PARC Working Meeting #4
March 23, 2017
TBD
Director’s Report to Committee of the Whole
March 29, 2017
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
Public Delegation Night
April 18, 2017
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
Presentation of Report to Board of Trustees for Decision
May 17, 2017
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
There is a lot of work to be done – and a considerable amount of disruption throughout the high school system in Burlington.
What the parents need to understand is that it is the trustees they elect who will make a final decision not the bureaucrats. Work with your elected officials.
By Pepper Parr
October 24th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week city council voted to receive a report from the Planning department that had advised that the most recent ADI Development Group proposal for the property they want to develop at the intersection of Martha Street and Lakeshore Road should not be accepted. The controversial project is being marketed as an upscale development to be known as Nautique.
This development has an almost sordid history and, as the Mayor said during the debate, “it is not the way Burlington wants to do business”.
Back when ADI first presented their proposal it was for a 28 story structure on a very small lot.
Everyone was up in arms – the application was submitted to the city which had 180 days to render a decision on the application for the zoning and Official Plan changes ADI was asking for.
Oddly enough – and no one has ever explained why – the city failed to deliver a decision within the 180 day time frame – which allowed ADI to take their case to the OMB – which is exactly what they did.
When the case got to the OMB ADI again did something considerably different. They asked the OMB to adjourn the hearing while they re-submitted their application because they had purchased an abutting piece of land that allowed them to come back with something different.
 The lot identified as 380 was added to the land assembled. Many thought this would make the development a little easier to accept – the developer added 48 units to their application. Most people thought ADI would come back with a smaller development – something that would perhaps satisfy enough people to get council to accept the project.
That isn’t what ADI did – their revised project did lower the height by two floors but they added an additional 48 units.
That was a little like rubbing salt into a wound.
The revised proposal that included the small piece of property to the north of the site is as follows:
 The project has gone through several design changes. This is believed to be the most recent. – An increase in the area of the development site from 1,359 m2 to 1,701 m2
– An increase in the unit count from 192 residential units to 240 residential units
– An increase in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 11.1 to 11.26
– The elimination of above ground parking in favour of residential units
– An increase in underground parking from 4 levels to 6 levels
– An increase in indoor amenity area of 435 m2 from 428 m2 and an increase in outdoor amenity area of 693 m2 from 493 m2
– An increase in vehicle parking spaces to 241 spaces from 196 (300 spaces are required by the Zoning By-law); and
– An increase in ground floor retail space to 423.2 m2 from 327 m2.xx
This is what is going before the OMB this week – not to be argued but to figure out what the February 2017 full hearing is going to be over – recall that the reason this all went to the OMB is because ADI had claimed the city didn’t process their application within the prescribed 180 days.
The cheek of it all.
Now it was back before the OMB.
There is a hearing on Thursday and Friday of this week; it will be what they call a “pre-hearing” which is to settle just what the issues are and get some sense as to how much time is going to be needed to hear the case. Up to ten days is the estimate at this point. That full hearing is scheduled for February 2017, but that could change.
At this point whatever decision is going to be made is no longer in the hands of the city.
The Planning department has done everything they could be expected to do. Councillor Blair Lancaster told the public that the planning department tried to negotiate with the developer. They couldn’t reach an agreement.
During the delegations that took place last week five people spoke.
 Gary Scobie Gary Scobie said using the intensification argument has become a “race to the sky”. He suggested in his presentation that the developers approach has been to push the envelope as much as possible and then later settle for something less – which Scobie thought would come in at 18 storeys; which coincidently is what a prominent developer in the city has said was what ADI needed to make any money.
It is impossible to know how much ADI will make on this project – what is known to some degree is how much they are spending. The advertising and marketing expenses are considerable. At one point real estate brokers were being offered a commission of 4% on each unit sold.
 Tom Muir Tom Muir, who has delegated at city council when Councillors Taylor and Dennison were newcomers, said there was a time when council would tell him that there were a lot of problems but that when the growth took place the money to fix the problems would be there and the work would get done but that could only happen if we grow.
The problem Muir pointed out is that the future never happens – we are in a bigger mess now than we were before. You make it all worse at a ridiculous cost.
Earlier in his presentation Muir pointed out that the city was designed around the car. The city isn’t going to build any more roads and so intensification is the route to go or that is what they keep telling us. Intensification, which has yet to be fully defined, is the story every developer brings to the city.
Whatever density is – this project will be the most dense in the city.
This city has a fundamental question to answer said Muir – do we want tall building and what is tall enough?
Muir pointed out that when ADI asked for time to submit a new design at the last OMB hearing many thought we would see a smaller project. Instead they added 48 more units which Muir calculated would add $20 million to the revenue side of the project,
Dee Dee Davies a part of a waterfront group said she thought the Bridgewater project that was approved decades ago was a bad precedent and went on to say that developers own the downtown.
She said what the public wants is a walkable city with a human scale where there is sunshine on the streets at times other than just the noon day.
 Dana Anderson Dana Anderson, a consultant for the owners of 395 Martha, known as Martha Terrace, a 12 story tower built by the Molinaro people for the Sun Life Insurance Company, said most of the changes increase the impact of the development on the community. She believed the site should be developed with something that fits into the community – she didn’t think the proposal fit.
James Taylor who was a “walk on” delegation who said the structure would be catastrophic. He told Council “you have the ball at your feet – keep these developers under control. He thought 10 to 12 storeys would be pleasing.
“Hopefully you will do the right thing”.
 19 storey structure seems to be what Councillor Dennison is prepared to accept. The problem was no one was able to say just what that “right thing” was. Then Councillor Dennison asked Mr. Taylor how high the building on Lakeshore at the foot of Torrance was – no one in the room had the answer. 19 storeys. You knew where Jack was coming from and he now had that height on the record.
Once can be certain that his comment, as a Councillor with 20 years + experience will be put forward at the OMB hearing.
Mayor Golding said Council was hopeful that discussions with the ADI people would produce a comprise the city could live with. “Clearly that has not been the case” he said then added – that “this is not the end.
It seems it is the end as far as your city council is concerned. Something will come out of the OMB hearing and the city will have to live with whatever that is.
 Bridgewater project currently being built will consist of a 22 storey condominium and eight storey hotel and a smaller seven story condominium. By the time there is a decision the Bridgewater development on the other side of Lakeshore road will be close to opening.
The public just might see what ADI wanted to do with a different set of eyes.
By Pepper Parr
October 23, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Here we go again.
The Burlington Air Park appeal of a Superior Court decision handed down June 30, 2016 that found in favour of the City of Burlington is scheduled to be heard by the Ontario Court of Appeal on March 28, 2017 at Osgoode Hall, in Toronto.
 Truck load after truck load was dumped on the air park property without site plan approval. What will the Appeal Court have to say and will that be the end of this story? On June 30, 2016, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in favour of the City of Burlington’s application to compel Burlington Airpark Inc. to submit an application for a site alteration permit to comply with the city’s bylaw. With the court ruling, the Airpark was required to file an application for a site alteration permit for the fill deposited between 2008 and 2013 before Aug. 31, 2016 and was also ordered to pay the city’s court costs.
The Air Park has submitted a site plan that has yet to be approved.
 Dumped on the land illegally the neighbour wonders if the landfill will ever be removed. The City of Burlington site alteration bylaw 64-2014 regulates the placing, dumping, cutting and removal of fill or the alteration of grades or drainage on a piece of land. Individuals doing this type of work must first submit an application to the city for a site alteration permit.
 By Ray Rivers
October 23, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s been a year since Justin Trudeau was trusted by the Canadian public with an overwhelming majority. So what has he done? I was invited to attend a speech he delivered to an assembly of party faithful in Niagara Falls this past weekend. As expected he hit on some highlights from his achievements to date. It had been a hectic day in the PM’s schedule, including a visit to ‘Picone Fine Food in Dundas’ – a political pie tradition. And, along the way, a disgruntled former Green Party candidate, protesting pipelines, tossed some pumpkins seeds at him and got herself arrested. Power to the pumpkin people!
 Protester confront Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – PM calms the man down. The Liberals have dominated Canada’s national political history and the Liberal brand has worn well over much of that time. Liberals would like to think that is because they listen better to Canadians and mostly get it right on social and economic policy. Mr Harper’s naive belief that he could remake Canada into more of a redneck nation never really had a hope in hell. So despite a laundry list of political accomplishments, Trudeau knows his biggest job of leading this country is still ahead of him.
Just how popular the Liberal brand has become of late will be tested this Monday in an Alberta by-election. The Liberals are running small business owner and long-time resident Stan Sakamoto in an uphill battle to replace Jim Hillyer in the perennially safe Tory riding of Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner. But while that Trudeau brand is pretty strong back east, even the candidate is unsure how well it will play out for him. So he’s promising to “…ensure their MP is their voice to Ottawa, not Ottawa’s voice in Medicine Hat.”
Ontario will be also going to the polls in two by-elections in November and it doesn’t look good for the governing Liberals and their leader. The provincial Liberal brand has plummeted and approval numbers are barely above single digits according to some polls – with disapprovals hitting over 70%. Elected to a strong majority in 2003, the government has been hit by bad press. And its inability to explain or defend, or perhaps even to show that it is listening to the public has almost irretrievably damaged the brand.
 When the trust is gone – it is gone. Despite a new leader who won a strong majority two years ago, public confidence has fallen to levels seen only with consumer products from Volkswagen and Samsung – though at least the Samsung phone is a fiery hot item. The Premier and her ministers are seen as stale, having lost their way and having failed tax payers on the economy and rate payers on the electricity file.
The party could identify a list of accomplishments for Ontario residents till the cows come home, but nobody is listening anymore. They could contrast their record with the disastrous performance of the Harris/Eves near decade in government, but nobody cares. That much of the blame for today’s electricity prices can be attributed to Mike Harris for dismantling Ontario Hydro, in the first place, is no excuse for a government which hasn’t been seen to have fixed that system after almost a decade and a half in power – and which hasn’t lowered electricity bills.
Some people point out that the Tories have only their right-wing-nut leader Tim Hudak to blame for Wynne’s big win in 2014. And Hudak has been shown the door and moved on to peddling real estate instead of politics. So his old riding is up for grabs next month as well as a Liberal seat in greater Ottawa. New PC leader Patrick Brown is still an unknown quantity, and folks appear to have forgiven his amateurish flip-flop on sex ed, first opposing then supporting the Liberal policy.
Earlier this year another by-election in the Liberal strong-hold of Scarborough-Rouge River went to the Tories, allowing them to finally get a foot hold in seat-rich Toronto. And despite popular policies in health care, climate change, education and even bringing down the deficit, the voters will not be satisfied with this government. They’ve made up their minds and Hell hath no fury like a disappointed voter, it seems. It’s why many folks wouldn’t even consider buying a Volkswagen or a Samsung phone – they don’t trust the brand anymore.
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:
Trudeau’s Accomplishments – Progress Report – Picone–
Pumpkin Protester –
Ontario Elections – More Ontario ByElection – Even More – And More –
Premier Wynne – More Premier –
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