 By Staff
July 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is getting hotter and drier out there – dry enough for the fire chief to temporarily ban all outside fires—including open air burning, controlled brush burning and recreational burning—as well as banning the use of charcoal barbecues in city parks.
 BBQ’s that use charcoal have been banned in city parks. “To ensure public safety, the ban on charcoal barbecues applies to the picnic areas of three city parks—LaSalle, Lowville and Hidden Valley—where propane barbecues will still be allowed,” said Mary Battaglia, director of roads and parks maintenance with the city.
City parks are available for social and picnic use. Users are encouraged to book a permit in advance of their preferred dates. Request a booking online at www.burlington.ca/rentals, call 905-335-7738 or visit www.burlington.ca/picnics for more information.
If you are unsure if a fire ban is in effect, please contact the Burlington Fire Department at 905-637-8253 or visit www.burlington.ca/openairburning for more information about open air burning and safety tips.
 By Staff
July 11th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette reported this to you last week – the city got their notice out early this morning.
Work to replace the outdoor pool and splash pad at Nelson Park has begun. At its meeting on Monday, July 4, Burlington City Council approved the advancement of funding from the city’s 2017 capital budget which will enable the construction of the new pool to start this fall.
 Swimming? Not at Nelson – not this summer. “Over the last six months, city staff have worked hard to get this project ready for construction, securing the design work and permit approvals needed,” said Allan Magi, the city’s director of capital works. “The demolition phase of construction began last week and we anticipate the work to construct the new swimming facilities will start this fall.”
The new 50-metre pool, featuring eight swim lanes, will be built beside a new beach-entry wading pool and splash pad. Detailed drawings of the new swimming facility will be available online at www.burlington.ca/nelson later this summer.
One Gazette reader commented: “Why have we not looked for a Facility Naming Sponsor to help cover costs for the Performing Arts Centre or The Pier? Perhaps Got Junk or Badger Waste Disposal could get a good deal and help relieve the stress on our wallets. Why is it taking sooo long for Nelson Pool to be back in operation? Closed for 2015, 2016 and also 2017? This is ridiculous. The majority of our residents do not have a private pool and need Nelson Pool to be open each summer, plus all the city programs and students hired each summer to work at Nelson Pool.”
At its meeting on July 4, City Council also directed city staff to investigate sponsorship opportunities for the naming of the new outdoor pool and splash pad at Nelson Park.
“Similar to other municipalities, the City of Burlington is exploring ways to generate new revenue streams to help reduce the tax burden on the community,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Based on council’s direction, city staff will look at a potential naming sponsorship for the outdoor pool replacement project. Any money generated from a sponsorship would help with the future repair and renewal needs of the facility.”
The Gazette report is available below:
Nelson pool spending approved:
 By Pepper Parr
July 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is construction going on all over the city. The work that is reaching into the sky is just fine with most people – the work being done on the roads has people complaining – New Street residents are going to be grumpy all summer.
 Concrete pours well underway at the Dundas Sutton project.  An early architects rendering of what the ADI Development Group thought they wanted to do with the Dundas-Sutton project. The look of the project and the price point both underwent a change. The Adi Lynx development on Dundas at Sutton – next to the Bronte Creek is well past the ground breaking stage – there was no ceremonial turning of the sod when that project started.
 Financing of any development project is critical. If you want to understand how the Lynx is being financed – look no further than this organization. The project has a progressive look to it – but if real estate is all about location – Bronte Creek gives this site some cred.
By Pepper Parr
July 11th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Some momentum is being lost and the boaters at LaSalle Park are now facing an uphill battle to get the funding the need in place for the expansion the LaSalle Park Maria Association has in mind.
John Birch has been a tireless advocate for an upgraded harbour that would protect the boats from some of the rough waves that would roll in and was doing very well with his plans.
 Trumpeter swans were once the biggest problem the LaSalle Park Marina Association had in getting approval for their wave barrier project. It isn’t the swans putting on th brakes – city hall is taking a closer look at the business model. He had run into some resistance from the Trumpeter Swan people who felt the planned harbour would take their habitat away from the birds.
That isn’t the main problem anymore.
The LPMA financing always looked like a bit of a stretch but in the past the association had always met the financial obligations.
 The LaSalle PArk Marina Association wanted to build a wave barrier – the financial model they have used is making city hall uncomfortable. While the current project is quite a bit bigger than anything they had done in the past it appeared to have merit and it was getting past all the milestones.
The harbour the boaters want to put in place certainly had a number of significant benefits for the city.
Birch and ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven get along well and Craven does not like losing something his residents want. Expect some tension to surround this one as it gets worked through.
A Staff report had been prepared and put into the agenda for the current cycle of Standing Committee meetings – then it was pulled from the agenda.
“The primary reason” said city manager James Ridge “is that I believe that Council needs to consider the report in a bigger context, and a broader range of questions about the project.
“The report’s observations are also arguably at odds with a recent resolution of Council to provide a letter of support to the LPMA for grant-seeking purposes. This is further reason for Council to pause to consider the project from a more holistic perspective.
“The project involves City owned assets, and it is unusual to have a Joint Venture partner take on the financing for project of this size which invariably entails risks to both the City and LPMA. At this point we don’t have a detailed costing of the breakwater construction, however the City would very likely be responsible for any cost overruns. And as the report points out, we have concerns about the financial model, including the likely need for a loan from the city with 25 year or more repayment. This would also be unprecedented and have inherent risks.”
 City manager James Ridge “In comments made to the Gazette Ridge said: “The LPMA was unhappy with the report. However it was intended to be an independent arms-length assessment of their business case. The LPMA was very helpful in providing detailed financial records, and met with staff to answer questions before the report was prepared, but clearly disagree with the conclusions. They have provided additional information that we have reviewed, and we will meet with them again, but the report will reflect the City’s independent objective assessment of LPMA’s business case.”
Ridge as a city manager is turning out to be very fiscally prudent – no risk taking on his watch. Wonder what would have happened to the Pier had Ridge been on the job?
The Gazette will analyze the city staff report and publish a follow up piece.
Touch times for the boaters.
 By Pepper Parr
July 11, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
And so we are going to grow Up, Smart and Beautiful – which is the tag line for what most of us understand as intensification.
How far up we go and where that up takes place is what a lengthy Committee of the Whole was about Thursday afternoon.
Council was assured that the planners knew where that “up” growth should take place and where is won’t take place.
The policies in the existing Official Plan are intended to guide the review of Official Plan Amendments involving a proposed increase in density.
These policies generally assist staff to review these applications on a site-specific basis but lack the required supporting policy framework that ensures that the proposal conforms to a broader city-wide vision and will support other important community and city-building objectives contained with the Official Plan and Council’s Strategic Plan.
 This is the vision – a clear separation between rural and urban. Without a city wide-wide vision, intensification can quickly become sporadic and create many challenges for the city including:
• limiting opportunities to concentrate growth in key under-utilized areas which have the potential to be major sources of new growth and investment;
• creating the potential for proponent driven intensification proposals in established neighbourhood areas of the city;
• resulting in the sporadic allocation of limited financial resources for development specific infrastructure and/or community infrastructure upgrades/investments; and
• not achieving key goals and objectives of the Official Plan, Places to Grow and Strategic Plan.
In 2008, the city’s first intensification framework was developed and endorsed by city Council. This strategy was primarily intended to form the basis for the development of new mixed use land use designations in the Official Plan and to identify the city’s capacity for population growth as part of the Region’s 2031 growth allocation process. However, the strategy and associated mapping were not incorporated as part of the current Official Plan.
As of March 2016, 72% of proposed residential units since 2006 which are either currently under review by city staff/under appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board, or have been approved by city staff but for which a Building Permit has not yet been issued, were located outside of the intensification areas identified through the city’s previous 2008 framework.
What that seems to say is that developers paid no attention to the Official Plan and the city let them get away with.
“Given current development trends since the development of the 2008 intensification strategy, staff believe that action must be taken to establish a comprehensive vision for intensification in the city through the Official Plan.”
Proposed Direction: Intensification Framework
A new city-wide Intensification Framework is proposed as part of the current Official Plan Review that will build upon Council’s new Strategic Plan and serve to provide greater clarity and direction to the public, city staff and other levels of government as to where and how the city plans to grow and intensify over time. More specifically, the new framework will have four key objectives:
1. serve as a filter through which privately initiated Official Plan amendments for increased density are considered and evaluated to ensure that growth is being directed to priority areas including key under-utilized mixed use and transit station areas;
2. provide the basis for the development of population and jobs growth capacity projections which will inform the forthcoming 2041 growth allocations by the Region of Halton;
3. ensure coordination amongst various city departments and other levels of government and service providers with respect to the efficient and timely focusing of investment/upgrades in infrastructure (including water and wastewater servicing, transit, utilities etc.) and community infrastructure (including parks, community facilities and public realm) which may required to support intensification and long-term growth; and
4. provide greater opportunities to accommodate a variety of housing forms that can serve the needs of a broad demographic in terms of tenure, affordability and access to services and transit.
The following sections will identify how the proposed Intensification Framework will achieve these objectives by outlining the proposed details/structure of the framework, how the proposed framework will be implemented and also identify how the framework will serve to inform future city initiatives related to intensification.
The proposed framework will achieve its objectives by establishing four key areas:
Primary Intensification Areas,
Secondary Intensification Areas,
Employment Intensification Areas
Established Neighbourhood Areas.
For each area, the Official Plan will contain objectives and policies that, while maintaining development permissions provided through the underlying land use designations, will serve to establish clear expectations for the scale and type of intensification that is expected within each area and provide greater direction when evaluating proponent driven Official Plan amendments for increased density. The high-level geographies, objectives and policies of each area are outlined below:
The Primary Intensification Area will be comprised of major nodes and corridors, which may include various residential, mixed use, commercial or employment land uses in areas which have the greatest potential to accommodate intensification including: the city’s Urban Growth Centre (UGC); mixed use areas of the Uptown Urban Centre; the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby Mobility Hubs; the Plains Road/Fairview Street Urban Corridor; the Brant Street Urban Corridor and aging Neighbourhood Centres located south of the QEW
 This is a draft document. Primary Intensification Areas will focus on the intensification of under-utilized mixed use and employment areas (including Mobility Hubs) which have the greatest potential to accommodate significant population and employment growth and foster the development of pedestrian and transit-oriented neighbourhoods.
Growth within Primary Intensification Areas will account for a majority of the city’s growth over the planning horizon of the Official Plan and create a network of density that will support higher-order/frequent transit opportunities.
Policies for the Primary Intensification Area will require new developments to achieve intensification and promote developments which propose significant population/employment growth to locate in the Primary Intensification Areas to ensure that proposed redevelopments make the most of the development potential these areas offer. In addition, policies will ensure that these areas are planned to develop as complete communities and that Primary Intensification Areas are a focus for city, Regional and Provincial investment/upgrades to infrastructure and community infrastructure which may be needed to support significant population and job growth in these areas.
Secondary Intensification Areas will be comprised of commercial/mixed use designated areas and generally vacant sites which are not located within a Primary or Employment Intensification Areas and which are located immediately adjacent to an arterial street. In addition, staff propose that sites containing publicly-funded schools be generally identified as forming part of the Secondary Intensification Area in order to recognize potential redevelopment/intensification needs on these sites over the long-term which may not conform to the traditional residential land use designations applied to these sites.
Secondary Intensification Areas will consist of areas which may contain limited, site specific opportunities for intensification over the planning horizon of the Official Plan. However, to ensure the Primary Intensification Areas remain the primary focus for significant intensification and infrastructure and community infrastructure investment, these areas will not be intended to intensify at a scale or intensity equal to that of the Primary Intensification Area. As such, Secondary Intensification Areas will not be intended to accommodate a majority of the city’s growth to 2031.
In order to meet the intent of the Secondary Intensification Areas, policies will include criteria to evaluate intensification proposals which involve an Official Plan Amendment for increased density. The criteria will focus on the proposed scale and intensity of the proposed development to ensure that the proposal will not result in significant unplanned population growth beyond that currently permitted under a site’s existing Official Plan permissions and that the proposal will not require infrastructure/community infrastructure investments/upgrades in order to be accommodated.
This will provide staff and Council with greater control and predictability that development proposals involving significant population and employment growth will be focused/directed towards the Primary Intensification Areas. In addition, this will ensure that financial resources for potential infrastructure investment/upgrades required to accommodate growth are not being redirected to areas outside of the Primary Intensification Areas.
Established Neighbourhood Areas
Established Neighbourhood Areas will be comprised of existing, predominantly residential neighbourhoods (including areas designated as Residential Low, Medium or High Density) as well as small neighbourhood-oriented commercial sites which are not located on an arterial street.
 This is a draft document. Established Neighbourhood Areas will be intended to accommodate existing development, redevelopment and intensification opportunities which are already currently permitted through a site’s Official Plan land use designation. As such, Established Neighbourhood Areas will not be considered essential towards achieving population/employment growth to 2031 and beyond.
In order to maintain the stability of the Established Neighbourhood Areas and limit the potential for the introduction of significant and unplanned intensification proposals into these areas, policies will be introduced that prohibit privately initiated Official Plan amendments for increased density beyond that permitted through the underlying land use designation.
As a result, only the following forms of intensification would be permitted within the Established Neighbourhood Area:
Redevelopment/infill in accordance with Official Plan land use permissions;
Consents to Sever;
Plans of Subdivision; and
Accessory Dwelling Units (e.g. second suites, including detached units).
This limitation would not prevent or preclude the potential for redevelopment or intensification of sites within the Established Neighbourhood Area but rather provide greater certainty that any proposals will be in keeping with the existing permissions provided through the site’s Official Plan land use designation and compatible with the neighbourhood’s existing built form, density, and scale.
Employment Intensification Areas
The Employment Intensification Areas will be comprised of areas identified as city or Regional ‘Areas of Employment’ as identified at the conclusion of the city’s Municipal Comprehensive Review. However, this will not include employment designated areas located in undeveloped areas outside of the built boundary as the proposed Intensification Framework is intended to apply only to developed areas where redevelopment and intensification would occur within an existing developed area context.
 This is where the residential housing was built. While not forming part of the Intensification Framework, employment designated lands within undeveloped areas of the city will continue to be governed by the underlying land use designations and policies of the Official Plan and will continue to form part of the city’s employment land inventory pending the outcome of the city’s Municipal Comprehensive Review.
The Employment Intensification Area is intended to capture employment lands located within developed areas which have the potential to accommodate further intensification and job growth to 2031 and beyond.
Within Employment Intensification Areas, staff generally believe that existing Official Plan permissions/policies along with the implementation of Council endorsed policy directions provided through the Employment Lands Direction Report will ensure that the Employment Intensification Area can continue to provide substantial opportunities for future intensification and job growth. A new policy is proposed that will promote significant employment intensification proposals to be located in areas which are in close proximity to transit routes and/or major, multi-purpose or minor arterial streets to ensure these proposals are adequately served by the city’s transportation network. In addition, staff may review the need for any additional policies pending the outcome of the city’s current Municipal Comprehensive Review for employment lands.
Council, meeting as a Standing Committee endorsed the report unanimously. It will get final approval at the next city council meeting.
It is a report that needs close study – policy for a long period of time is being put in place. The intensification targets will get written into the Official Plan – which both staff and council would like to see as something that has stronger teeth to it.
 This is a map of the 2008 intensification framework. The section of the staff report that told of the “72% of proposed residential units since 2006 were located outside of the intensification areas identified through the city’s previous 2008 framework” is troubling.
There will be more to say about intensification – right now it is Up, Smart and Beautiful as the city decides to Grow Bold.
By Staff
June 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
She has been missing since 12:45 PM on Tuesday July 5th 2016. She was last seen near her home on Millcroft Park Drive, Burlington.
 Helen Robertson often wore mis-matched shoes Residents within the nearby area of Helen’s home can expect to see an increase in police presence. Hamilton Police mounted unit, The Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSRVA) and the Ontario Provincial Police are assisting with the investigation.
The mismatched shoes believed to have been worn by Helen, of which police previously released a photo, have been located. Please be aware that Helen often wore mismatched shoes and therefore it is possible she may be wearing other mismatched shoes.
 Helen Robertson, 79, missing for four days. Halton Police are continuing to encourage Burlington and the surrounding area residents to check their properties and outbuildings. In addition please continue to watch for Helen and report any sightings immediately to police directly and avoid reporting sighting by way of social media.
Anyone with information on Helen’s whereabouts are asked to call Halton Police at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2305
Hellen Robertson is a 79 year-old Alzheimer’s patient. The police have issued five updates on this missing woman.
By Staff
July 8th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Conservation Halton has declared a Level I Low Water Condition for its watershed.
The low snow accumulation over the winter combined with below-normal rainfall amounts over the last three months (April, May and June) has resulted in reduced water flows and levels in local streams.
 Bronte Creek is part of the Halton Region watershed – water levels are low. Conservation Halton’s data for the month of June indicates that like much of south central Ontario, the Halton watershed has received below-average precipitation. The watershed received an average of approximately 23 mm of rain, which is only 30 per cent of the normal June average of 76 mm. The three-month average for April to June was approximately 37 mm or 47 percent of normal for this time of year. Further, the current data suggests that a number of our streams are below, or are approaching a Level II Low Water Condition threshold.
“The combination of lower snowfall amounts in winter and below-average rainfall over the last three months has resulted in the streams in the Halton watershed being lower than their typical levels for this time of the year.” said Conservation Halton Manager of Watershed Engineering Services, Janelle Weppler.
“The current situation is similar across a majority of our neighbouring watersheds and much of eastern and southwestern Ontario is in a Level I Low Water Condition with some watersheds at a Level II Low Water Condition. In light of the current conditions, our monitoring has increased and follow up discussions are being scheduled with our Low Water Response Team. ”
Under the Level I Low Water Condition, water users in the Conservation Halton watershed are asked to voluntarily conserve water with the aim of reducing overall consumption by 10 percent. The Low Water Condition is based on criteria set by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF).
 If you are drawing water from a well on your property the Conservation Authority wants you to cut back by at least 10% Water users which rely on municipal sources are not subject to these cutbacks at this time, however municipal governments, such as Halton Region, may implement water conservation measures. Conservation Halton’s watershed was last in a Level I Low Water Condition in 2012 for just over 6 months (from June to December).
The Conservation Halton watershed is comprised of the Bronte, Grindstone, and Sixteen Mile Creek watersheds that encompass portions of Puslinch, Hamilton, Halton Hills, Milton, Mississauga, Burlington and Oakville, as well as a number of smaller urban creek watersheds located in Burlington and Oakville.
 Grindstone Creek also has low water levels. A Level I condition triggers a call for a voluntary cutback of 10 per cent by users taking water from wells or surface water sources. Major water users, such as golf courses, aggregate extractors, farm irrigators and others are asked to implement or continue their water conservation programs to reach the 10 percent target. Rural water users can lower the demand on the watercourses and aquifers by pumping water at a lower rate, storing it in ponds or by staggering their pumping times in conjunction with neighbours to lower peak demand.
Conservation Halton, in partnership with the MNRF, monitors local water level and precipitation amounts. In the event of water shortages or a drought, Conservation Halton works closely with local water users and other government agencies to coordinate water conservation efforts and try to reduce demand.
Under the Province’s Ontario Low Water Response strategy, local water users and managers establish Water Response Teams (WRT) in areas experiencing low water conditions so the local community can carry out actions to reduce and better manage water use. The Low Water Response Team, coordinated by Conservation Halton in its watershed, consists of representatives from the Province, Municipalities, Conservation Authorities, local water users and industry groups. There are four levels of Low Water Conditions:
Normal – Normal Conditions are within normal limits.
Level I – First indication of potential water supply problems, primarily a warning level – key focus is on voluntary conservation of water
Level II – Indicates a potentially serious problem – conservation of water is extended to restrictions on non-essential uses
Level III – Indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand – key focus is on conservation, regulation and enforcement of non-essential uses.
Halton’s Outdoor Water Restriction Level 1 – Blue – Careful Use
Voluntary odd/even day lawn-watering in effect.
The following outdoor water uses are allowed:
Water newly planted seed or sod.
Water trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens.
Sprinklers for recreational use.
Splash pads.
Fill swimming pools and hot tubs.
Fill garden ponds or fountains.
Wash cars.
Wash building exteriors (i.e. sheds)
Burlington fire chief issues fire ban:
The city of Burlington has banned fire pit and chimineas in the city due to hot weather.
 By Staff
July 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a long investigation, began in May 2016 when the Halton Police in partnership with Hamilton Police, began to investigate a series of automobile thefts.
 On the 6th of July 2016, the investigation concluded with search warrants being executed at five separate locations within the Hamilton area.
As a result of this investigation three parties were charged with several automobile theft and drug related offences.
Charges:
Theft of Motor Vehicle x 13
Possession Over x 18
Conspiracy to Commit (one count each)
CDSA 5 (2)
CDSA 4 (1)
Proceeds
Breach Probation x 4
Breach Recognizance
The charged parties are:
Dwight Gifford 34 years of age from Hamilton
Dwayne Dyer 35 years of age from Hamilton
Devon Edwards 33 years of age from Hamilton
Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to call investigators at the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-825-4747 extension 2307, Or Det. G. Gallant Hamilton Police Auto Squad 905-546-3820.
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
By Pepper Parr
July 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Walker, Nott, Dragicevic Associates Limited (‘WNDAL’), a company retained by Adi Morgan Developments (Lakeshore) Inc. to assist in the development approval process associated with the redevelopment of the property known municipally as 374 and 380 Martha Street submitted the following to the city on June 29th. The city has yet to make this information public.
 The original architectural rendering for the property the Adi group proposed building at the intersection of LAkeshore Road and Martha Street. The original application was for a 28-storey mixed use building consisting of 226 residential dwelling units and 348 square metres of non-residential gross floor area at grade
The Adi Group then bought the house on Martha Street to the north of their development site and asked the Ontario Municipal Board to adjourn the hearing they asked for while they worked out a new design with the city.
The OMB Commissioner gave them until June 30th to submit a new design.
The following is a description of the design.
The enlarged site is approximately square shaped with frontage on both Martha Street and Lakeshore Road and dimensions of approximately 40.6 metres by 41.7 metres. The configuration of the enlarged site allows for the elimination of the above-grade parking garage in favour of residential and amenity space, and a reduction in the height of the podium from five storeys to one- and three-storeys above which a 23-storey tower would rise for a total height of 26 storeys (88.4 m), inclusive of the podium.
More specifically, the following is a list of the revisions that have been incorporated into the Revised Proposal since the Resubmission:
• The area of the development site has been increased from 1,359 square metres to 1,701 square metres;
• The height of the podium element has been reduced from five-storeys to one- and three- storeys. All above-grade parking has been eliminated from the podium in favour of residential units and amenity space;
• The overall gross floor area has been increased from 15,089 square metres to 19,159 square metres (which is primarily the result of the substitution of the above grade parking with residential and amenity space uses);
• The floor space index has increased slightly from 11.1 FSI to 11.26 FSI;
 The original site for the development did not include 380 Martha Street. • The overall residential dwelling unit count has been revised from a total unit count of 192 units consisting of 145 one-bedroom units, 45 two-bedroom units and 2 three-bedroom units to a total of 240 residential dwelling units consisting of 4 studio units, 162 one-bedroom units (including one-bedroom plus den), and 74 two-bedroom units (including two-bedroom plus den);
• Indoor and outdoor amenity areas have been redesigned and now consist of 435 square metres of indoor amenity (plus storage lockers) whereas there was previously 428 square metres of indoor amenity space and 693 square metres of outdoor amenity space (plus private balconies and amenity space) whereas there was previously 493 square metres of outdoor amenity space. Amenity areas are now proposed to be located on the 2nd, 4th, and 20th storeys;
• The amount of parking has been increased commensurate with the increase in the number of units such that now there will be 241 parking spaces for 240 residential units, all of which are located below grade; and
• The area of the ground floor retail space has increased from 327 square metres to 423.2 square metres;
The consultants argue that the enlarged site continues to represent good planning and is an appropriate form of development for the subject site within a Downtown Burlington context.
The document we obtained does not include any architectural renderings.
 Adi brothers appear to have taken on a partner for the controversial Martha Street development. What is interesting to note is that Adi now appears to have a partner in this development. The corporate name used is Adi Morgan Developments (Lakeshore) Inc.
It is still a 23-storey tower that would rise above a three storey podium for a total of 26 storeys.
One additional note: Mayor Goldring is reported to have been asking people what they thought of a ten storey structure.
By Staff
July 7, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police responded to a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle on North Service Road between Walkers Line and Guelph Line in the City of Burlington.
At 2:10 pm, this afternoon, a 78 year-old St. Catharines woman was a passenger in an eastbound vehicle on North Service Road. The car drove past a police officer parked in a driveway on the north side of the service road conducting traffic enforcement.
The occupants of the car were lost, so the driver pulled over on the south shoulder of the roadway east of the officer. The woman got out of the vehicle to walk back to the officer for directions. While attempting to cross the roadway, the woman walked into the path of a westbound SUV and she struck by the vehicle.
The woman was rushed to a Trauma Centre where she is currently in critical condition.
A section of North Service Road was closed for approximately 3 hours for the collision scene investigation. The driver of the SUV, a 51-year-old Hamilton man, was not injured in the collision.
Alcohol and speed are not believed to be factors in the collision.
Anyone witnesses are asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at (905) 825-4747 ext. 5065 or call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com.
By Pepper Parr
July 7, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
It certainly wasn’t her first time before an audience speaking but it was an occasion when the Burlington Chamber of Commerce got to grill MP Karina Gould on the issues that mattered to them.
The under 30 member of parliament has some work to do on a number of files but doesn’t need any help knowing when to move a matter off her plate.
 In this photograph, Burlington MP Karina Gould explains to a listener how to get a job done. She appeared at the Chamber of Commerce BBQ eaarlier this week to talk about her work and the speech she heard United States president Obama give to the House of Commons. When asked about hydro rates she was quick to explain that it was a provincial matter. When asked to talk about cross border issues that impacted Burlington based corporations Gould realized that she had a lot to learn – and hopefully she makes a point of getting back to Jim Peters who explained that he exports 75% of his production and expects that to grow to 90% in the very near future.
Moving senior staff back and forth across the borders to deal with human resource matters is something the Americans are very touchy about. It is a tricky matter and one that business people across the country have to deal with on a regular basis. They could use some help.
The Chamber of Commerce holds a BBQ every summer – the idea is to grill both the food and the Member of Parliament.
Gould held her own but there are a number of files she is going to need to brush up on.
As the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development et la Francophonie, Gould gets to put her experience with trade matters to good use when she travels with the Minister.
She took part in an international conference in Turkey several months ago and expects to spend some time with the Minister in Kenya soon.
It will be interesting to see how she performs when she meets with the Chamber of Commerce next summer. They will want her to be more on top of their concerns next year.
By Pepper Parr
July 7th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Building a city that is going through a significant stage in its development means working with a number of very large parts – that are all moving at the same time – in different directions.
The GO trains are going to have 15 minute service at some point in the not too distant future – that will change the way people commute. Tat service is going to be electrified, apparently starting in the Aldershot part of the GO system and on through to Union Station.
 The Escarpment is a no go zone when it comes to intensification – except for the hamlets of Lowville and Kilbride. The city has now completed its much touted Strategic Plan – now the Official Plan has to be completed to fit in with the Strategic Plan and at the same time comply with the provincial places to grow Plan and the restrains that are placed on Burlington with the Escarpment Greenbelt Plan.
The province has determined how many people are going to move into Burlington – that means having homes for them to live in – and that means some form of intensification.
Next to garbage collection – intensification is probably the most challenging file the planners have to work with.
City council will be in a half day Committee of the whole session later today going through all the options that present themselves – where should intensification take place – how much?
Mary Lou Tanner, the new planner has a solid grip on what has to be done – it is the how she is going to do it that matters now.
That means putting ideas before members of council who will determine a policy. Before that policy gets nailed down by council the issues have to be taken to the public – which is not as full informed as it could be.
 Mary Loy Tanner – Director of Planning Tanner decided to hold a media briefing – something new for this town – which she did via a conference call during which the manager of communications for the city began to explain to journalists who have been covering this file for some time just what an Official Plan was. It was embarrassing – and not all that accurate. In Burlington we call these an “opportunity to learn”.
We know now that there will be something in the way of physical amenities in the station West development the ADI Development group are working on. The rules that were in place when the development first came to the public’s attention didn’t require as much as a sandbox.
Our information is that there is a ¾ hectare park/public space worked into the plans.
There is now more of a critical mass in the Upper Middle Road – Appleby Line part of the city – new forms of development are expected to take place there.
Tanner mentioned that there is some land assembly taking place in the downtown core as well – being driven in part by the development of the Paradigm project on Fairview next to the GO station.
There is also a significant focus on the Plains Road – Fairview corridor that is currently one of the most pedestrian unfriendly parts of town. Not a road one wants to drive a bike on.
Tanner has come up with a tag line she uses to describe the direction she is going in: Up – Smart – Beautiful. She speaks in terms of “appropriate density”; a term that will mean something different to everyone she talks to.
Tanner went to some lengths to assure people in established, mature communities that they aren’t going to see a 20 storey condo on their street. Maybe now those same residents will agree to not cut down trees that are on their private property.
 A planners idea of what the Roseland Plaza could look like after intensification. The Roseland Plaza and the Burlington Mall were referred to as “aging plaza’s and are seen, apparently. as places that could handle more in the way of density.
Affordable housing is still a serious concern in Burlington. While affordable housing is a Regional responsibility – it is the city’s planning department that has to work directly with the developers – in the past there have been some unfortunate miscommunications.
 One of two prime pieces of property on the south side of Old Lakeshore Road on the market. There is something going on in the Old Lakeshore Road part of the city where the Bridgewater project is well underway. Two prime properties on the south side of Old Lakeshore Road – just east of Emmas Back Porch have for sale signs on them.
 Both pieces of property are on the market. There is a wonderful opportunity to do something both splendid and spectacular in that part of the city.
By Staff
July 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is exceedingly hot out there – and there is a 79 year old resident of Burlington who has Alzheimer’s and has been missing since July 5, 2016
 Helen Robertson Helen Robertson has been missing since July 5, 2016. She is described as: white, 5’2, 110 lbs, white collar length hair, slim build, glasses. Possibly wearing a red, long sleeved collared shirt and two different shoes.
Helen has Alzheimer’s and has been missing since July 5, 2016. She is described as: white, 5’2, 110 lbs, white collar length hair, slim build, glasses. Possibly wearing a red, long sleeved collared shirt and two different shoes. ( Photo’s attached)
The current focus on the search for Helen is within the Millcroft area where people are asked to check their properties including outbuildings and other structures for Helen.
Anyone with information is asked to call Halton Police at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2305
By Staff
July 6. 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Fire Department has issued a fire ban, effective immediately, prohibiting all outside fires in Burlington, including open air burning, controlled brush burning and recreational burning.
 Brush fires start with a single spark – and in this hot, dry weather they spread very quickly. Wild fire means just that – a fire that has gone wild. “Brush fires tend to occur during hot, dry weather especially when there is a lack of rainfall as we have been experiencing during the past few weeks,” said Chief Fire Prevention Officer Joe Wintar.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the fire danger rating is high for the Burlington area and the forecast of hot weather with limited rainfall is expected to continue in the upcoming days.
 Open fire pits are banned uni the Fire Chief lifts the ban. “Open air burning, including fire pits and chimineas, poses a risk to nearby combustible materials such as sheds, decks and landscape materials, which can increase the risk of brush fires,” said Wintar.
 Chimeneas are banned until the Fire Chief lifts the ban. Residents are being reminded to be cautious when using outdoor candles and other backyard items that may produce heat or flame.
People failing to comply with open air burning regulations in the Ontario Fire Code and Burlington’s open air burning bylaw may be fined. The City of Burlington has set a cost-recovery charge of more than $450 per responding vehicle for the fire department to respond to a location where open air burning is not approved.
All burning permits are suspended until further notice to protect public safety. No burning can take place during smog alert days and open air burning bans.
If you are unsure if a ban is in effect, contact the Burlington Fire Department at 905-637-8253 or visit www.burlington.ca/openairburning for more information about open air burning and safety tips.
By Staff
July 6, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has awarded $35,870 to eight community projects as part of the Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund launched earlier this year to encourage residents to come together to lead neighbourhood and community projects.
“Vibrant cities are based on vibrant neighbourhoods,” said Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring. “We want residents to be engaged in making their neighbourhoods great places to live and play. This fund makes it easier for neighbours to come together to support a unique project that enhances their neighbourhood.”
The eight community projects selected are:
• Lakeshore Public School – improvements to the baseball diamond
• Mountainside community – art workshops
• Pinemeadow Park – a playground made from natural materials
• Alton Village – a weekly community picnic
• Bruce T. Lindley Public School – a landscape improvement project
• Norton Community Park – a new mural
• General Brock Park – a greening improvement project
• A literacy project for individuals with developmental disabilities.
 Griffin Gervais and his mother Carrie they won one of the city’s neighbourhood development matching grants. The selected groups will receive up to 50 per cent of the funding for their projects from the city, up to a maximum of $5,000. The community groups behind each project will then match this funding with an equal contribution made up through any combination of volunteer hours, donated services, donated materials and supplies or other funds raised, such as cash donations.
 They pulled it off – got a grant from th city – In no specific order: Sawyer Cobham. Scott Rose, Griffen Gervais, Kayden Maslanyk discuss the problems with their ball diamond. “We are so impressed with the incredible ideas the community brought forward in their applications,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “I look forward to seeing these eight unique projects come to life.
It’s our hope that these projects, built by the community for the community, will bring neighbours together and help build a sense of belonging and strong community connections.”
Work on the eight projects will take place over the next year.
Groups interested in learning more about application submissions for 2017 can visit www.burlington.ca/matchingfund.
Related article:
How the grant from the city was won.
By Staff
July 6, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halron Regional Police asked for the public’s assistance in locating a missing elderly woman withAlzheimer’ s.
Helen Robertson (79 Years) was last seen at her Millcroft residence in Burlington in the early afternoon of July 5th.
Helen Robertson (79 Years) was last seen at her Millcroft residence in Burlington in the early afternoon of July 5th. Helen is described as: white, 5’2, 110 lbs, white collar length hair, slim build, glasses. Possibly wearing a red, long sleeved collared shirt and two different shoes.
Police are still looking for the public’s assistance in locating 79 year old Helen Robertson.
Helen was last seen at her residence on Millcroft Park Drive in Burlington early yesterday afternoon.
Helen has Alzheimer’s and is known to walk long distances.
Police are concerned with the amount of time Helen has been missing with the hot weather yesterday and the expected hot weather today.
An extensive search was conducted overnight and will continue today with the assistance of our SIRT (Search Incident Response Team).
Helen is described as: white, 5’2, 110 lbs, white collar length hair, slim build, glasses. The public are asked to check their properties and outbuildings as well as keeping an eye out for Helen.
Helen is described as: white, 5’2, 110 lbs, white collar length hair, slim build, glasses. Possibly wearing a red, long sleeved collared shirt and two different shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Halton Police at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2305
 By Pepper Parr
July 6, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The decision rendered by Justice Gibson on the Air Park case is 50 pages in length. Lawyers read documents like this – I am not sure it is something we can expect of our readers.
The following is a condensed version on what the issues were and what Justice Gibson ruled.
The Gazette will publish a more detailed explanation of the decision as well as the complete document.
The issue is far from over but there is at least a sense of direction.
Justice J Gibson delivered his decision on the just what the Air Park was required to do regarding the submitting of a Topsoil Preservation and Site Alteration plan to the city and the removal of the 2,000,000 tonnes of landfill on the 77.77 hectares property.
He was blunt and direct and differed on numerous occasions with the Air Park interpretation of laws that were sited.
 The fill does not have to be removed. At issue was an ongoing dispute between Airpark and the City with respect to fill operations conducted by Airpark at the Airport between January, 2008 and August 2013.
The Airpark, the Judge contended, allowed and profited from the deposit of over 500,000 m3 (approximately 2,000,000 tonnes) of fill at the Airport.
The city was seeking two orders:
a) a mandatory order requiring the respondent Burlington Airpark Inc. to remove all fill deposited on the site between January 1, 2008 and August 2, 2013 except for soil underlying existing runways and hangars;
b) in the alternative, a mandatory order requiring Airport to file an application under By-law 64-2014 for the 2008-2013 work carried out before By-law 64-2014 had been passed and while the prior By-law 6- 2003 was in effect (the latter by-law having been since repealed in its entirety);
c) an order continuing the terns of an order made by Miller J. on August 2, 2013 respecting the deposit of fill at the Airport;
d) costs on a substantial indemnity basis.
 The original argument made by the Air Park was that hangers were going to be built on areas that were built up – nothing has been built yet. Airpark, in contrast, sought an order dismissing the City’s application, Justice Gibson granted the city its application in part.
The Court Ordered that:
1. A mandatory order will issue requiring Airpark to file an application under By-Law 64-2014 for the 2008-2013 fill work carried out before By-Law 64-2014 had been passed, and while By-Law 6-2003 was in effect, by August 31, 2016; and,
2, The terms of the consent Order made by Miller J. on August 2, 2013 respecting the deposit of fill at the Airport will continue in effect.
What this amounts to is: The Air Park must file a site plan application but does not at this point have to remove any of the fill. The matter of contaminants in the fill and the impact they could have on the were left for another day.
 By Carol Gottlob
July 7, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
I live in the east end of Burlington, around New Street, and I always marvel when I see photographs taken when my part of town was being developed. The few trees that could be seen were very small
Today when I drive my bike down the street or take my dog for a walk I see trees that are mature and give my neighbourhood a character of their own which is indeed worth preserving.
 Caroline looking East from Hager: community wants to retain the single family home zoning for the precinct. The trees are for the most part on private property. When you look at those houses “west of Brant” which were likely built in the 1930’s and ’40’s, some in the 50’s, do you think those majestic trees were there then? The shrubbery and landscaping are features that we have added.
Over the years they have filled in the neighbourhood to give it that stately effect. Likewise, I believe intensification along main thoroughfares and increased public transit meets the needs of the ever-growing “single society”.
We live in a society where there is an increasing number of divorced, widowed and selectively single people, modest, affordable living space with plenty of opportunity for social interaction meets their needs
(Don’t, however, get me started on the notion of “affordable”. That is an entirely different, but very critical, debate).
I believe, when these new higher density developments are built, over time, people will fill in the spaces between them with not just green, but many colours, where people can rest and breathe.
The only thing I don’t understand is why we are going from urban sprawl to high-rise in one fell swoop. Is there nothing in between?
I believe that one of the reason we like travelling to Europe so much is because the cities there are high density, not high-rise.
High density gives us no choice but to greet the people we meet and interact with them, but high-rise gives us a good excuse to park in the underground and let ourselves get sucked up to the 20-somethingest floor, without even making eye contact with another soul.
I think we can do better than that.
What might that better look like?
 The plaza at New Street and Guelph Line – as it looks today. The planners think there is much more potential for the site and suggest some possibilities. Possible intensification for the plaza at New and Guelph Line – all this could be done within the existing zoning and Official Plan.  The planners suggest what could be built on the plaza at Guelph Line and New street. We are absolutely blessed to have a Great Lake at our doorstep, an escarpment in our back yard and a protected Greenbelt arching through our region. Within minutes, we can enjoy a long, sandy beach, kilometres of trail in acres of forest, breath-taking views over the lake, and quaint villages to visit tucked in amongst farmland where you can pick fresh fruit or buy local honey.
Whether you prefer to travel by car, bike or on foot, there is so much within easy access, and a lot of it accessible by public transit as well. Where else can you find this?!
The Burlington I foresee, builds upon what it has already built. It doesn’t mean destroying existing neighbourhoods, nor the trees that make them so special. Leave the lovely homes for families to raise their children, so they can ride their bikes, play street hockey or where folks can walk their dogs through leafy neighbourhoods. On the perimeters of those neighbourhoods, where main arteries intersect and small businesses tend to locate, add mid to high density housing and create a commercial/transit/residential hub to accommodate the seniors and the singles who do not rely on automobile transportation.
The intersection of Guelph Line and New Street is a good example. There are businesses, behind them there are apartment buildings, behind them some town homes and then tucked behind them, detached homes. Such variety of accommodation offers many more options for people, depending on what stage of life they are going through
The Roseland Plaza, and several others like it, would do well to re-invent themselves, with fewer parking spaces and more frequent smaller buses bringing seniors right up to the pharmacy to get their prescriptions, to the barber shop for a haircut or the coffee shop to meet their pals, rather than trying to make their way in from the street across a dangerous (and in winter, slippery) parking lot. Good public transit plays a big part in convincing people to leave the car at home.
It is unsettling to see existing homes/buildings torn down, such as we are witnessing at the New St Maranatha development. Holes in the ground, gaping spaces, and altered vistas can be unfamiliar and disorienting. Yet in time, as people move into these new sites, trees grow in, gardens are planted and familiar faces come and go, the starkness of it all softens and the architecture and nature blend to form a very liveable landscape for our seniors, our children and our pets.
 Carol Gottlob has been a candidate for public office (ward 4) and is a member of the Burlington Green board. She teaches English as a second Language to new Canadians.
 By Staff
July 13, 29016
BURLINGTON, ON
Location: Cavendish Drive at the Rambo Creek Culvert location between Upper Middle and Faversham Avenue will be CLOSED
Date: Monday, July 18 to mid-September 2016
Time: Full time
Purpose: Remove and replace existing culvert.
Detour routes: Use Upper Middle Road as a detour route.
If you would like more information about this project, please contact Janine Yaromich at 905-335-7600, ext. 7421
By Staff
July 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region of Halton is going to get up to $652,054 in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Ontario (FedDev Ontario) through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The program is part of the federal government’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. This funding will be used for enhancements to the Spencer Smith Park portion of the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park.
That sentence needs to be read carefully – the money will be spent on Spencer Smith park – not the Beachway park.
 A structure that will look something like this will get built – it will be the point at which Spencer Smith Park morphs into the Beachway Park. “I would like to thank the federal government for this investment that supports our vision to implement a world-class, signature waterfront destination in Halton,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park is part of Halton Region’s commitment to both protecting and enhancing our rich natural environment and growing a strong Regional economy.”
The funding for Spencer Smith Park will be used to enhance the waterfront trail throughout this section of the Regional Waterfront Park, provide improved seating and shaded areas for residents and visitors, update landscaping and renovate an existing gazebo. Planning for this work began in April 2016 and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2017.
 The Beachway master plan removes some 25+ homes from the area and turns a wonderful natural area into what appears to be a well designed park – this is not however the first time the Beachway has been re-designed. In 2015, Halton Regional Council approved a Master Plan to transform Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park into a unique, four-season urban waterfront experience. The park is one of the only natural sand beaches in North America located in a downtown urban context that is fully accessible to the public.
The enhancement project is one of more than 380 projects currently approved across southern Ontario through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Get ready for an explosion of federal spending on the sesquicentennial – our 150th birthday.
Related articles:
Plans for Beachway park made public.
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