 By Pepper Parr
March 15th, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Still quiet on the municipal election front. No Ides of March for the Mayor of this city.
To date just one of the incumbent members of city council has filed nomination papers – Mayor Goldring scooted downstairs from his eighth floor office and gave the city clerk his fee early in January – and his hat was in the ring.
 The Goldring family whoops it up the night of the 2010 election. Same scene for 2014? The Mayor didn’t stop there. He recently held an impressive fund-raiser – a reported 125 people at $100 a pop attended where we understand His Worship announced that Cheryl Taylor will lead the campaign with Jim Matts doing much of the grunt work the way he did last time out.
So far there isn’t a second candidate for the job ready to declare for the top spot. None of the other council members who are warming a seat at the horseshoe in the council chamber have declared yet, however all, except for Dennison have said they want to return and the Mayor has said he would like to see all his colleagues returned. They might be waiting until the Premier decides if there is going to be a provincial election and if she does ask the Lieutenant Governor to issue an election writ – they may all stay inside until that wind blows over.
Ward 1 Councillor did say at a meeting at the Conservation Halton offices that he had thought about running for the office of Mayor. “It’s not out of the question” was his comment at the time.
We can report that there are very credible candidates in wards 5 and 6 getting their ducks lined up – expect at least one very interesting candidate to step forward out of rural Burlington. It’s about time those people had someone representing their interests at the table.
There are now candidates in ward 1 – two of them so far, no one in ward 2 yet; Meed Ward might well be acclaimed in ward 2, unless of course she decides now is the time to run for the office of Mayor. It’s the only chance she has of winning that office which she has wanted from the day she first ran against Rick Craven in Ward 1 back in 2006.
Meed Ward has a hard political calculation to make. Run again in ward 2 and win hands down but find herself facing a formidable candidate in 2018 if Frank McKeown runs in ward 4 – which is not out of the question yet. McKeown apparently has a promise from Jack Dennison, the ward 4 incumbent to campaign with McKeown if he runs. Not exactly a promise you can take to the bank.
 Frank McKeown, then the Mayors Chief of Staff explains a concept to Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman. McKeown was described as the 7th council member during the Strategic Plan sessions. McKeown might decide that he doesn’t want to serve as a council member for four years and then run for Mayor – he might decide to just go for the brass ring now. Many felt that McKeown was the thinker behind the Mayor when he ran against Cam Jackson in 2010. Most of the position papers Goldring released were reportedly written by McKeown.
During the more than six half day meetings on the development of the Strategic Plan McKeown was frequently referred to as the “seventh council member” – not always politely by the way. He brought a level of sophistication to the discussions that was badly needed at the time.
There was not a lot of love lost when McKeown advised the Mayor in July of 2012 that he was going to resign effective the end of the year. That gave the Mayor plenty of time to find a new Chief of Staff. The replacement was certainly no Frank McKeown. It will be interesting to see what the Mayor comes up with in terms of an election platform and if he issues any quality position papers this time out. Will there be a reference to his One Vision debacle?
We hear that the “Duffster” – that being John Duff, might be asked to handle media buys and campaign literature design for the Mayor. (We incorrectly called Duff – Duffy in an article recently – that was fixed.)
Martin von Zon of Intercom Marketing was going to do that job but he then won an RFP to do some work for the Performing Arts Centre and felt he might have a conflict of interest if he did any work for the Mayor while performing a service for the PAC. People in this town certainly have a very narrow definition of just what a conflict of interest is – Jack Dennison certainly doesn’t define conflict quite as narrowly.
One has to wonder if van Von has his ear closer to the ground than most and is picking up vibes others are not aware of? – and if that is really the reason for declining. Van Von certainly didn’t get the PAC contract because of the Mayor.
Ward 1has two nomination; Jason Boelhouwer and Catherine Henshell.
 Catherine Henshell has her eye on the council seat for Ward 1 Ward 2 is closed territory unless there is someone who wants to create some name recognition and get a chance to rake Councillor Marianne Meed Ward over the coals. She will win that race unless she is found at the end of the pier under a full moon howling into the night sky – and even then she might still win.
There is one declared candidate in Ward 3; Lisa Cooper filed her papers and hasn’t been heard from since.
 Alexa Kubrak once put together some ideas on re-branding for the Burlington Art Centre. Got stiffed and decided the only way to make a difference was to be at the council table. running in ward 4 where the incumbent has yet to declare. Ward 4 has been busy; while incumbent Dennison hasn’t declared – and may not – three others Have. John Sweeny, a former Deloitte business development executive, Steve Kempf who lives on Indian Road, outside the ward and Alexandra Kubrak, a young entrepreneur who may lack experience but is a bright young lady – all have their hats in the ring.
 John Sweeney running in ward 4 takes part in public budget discussions. Ward 5 has yet to hear from incumbent Paul Sharman but expect him to be in the race – he has nowhere else to go. There is another candidate doing the final touches to his campaign website – look for an announcement very early in April – hopefully not April 1st. Ian Simpson has also declared in ward 5.
Ward 6, which had the tightest race in 2010 when Blair Lancaster beat Mark Carr by a slim 125 votes, will face a very strong contender expected to announce early in April. There is a declared candidate in the ring now – real estate broker Jim Curran announced earlier this month.
Still a lot of fence-sitting going on. For those who want to run for office and be seen as serious get along to the Clerk’s office. For those that have declared – begin getting your message out.
Background links:
Mayor satisfied with his first term
Catherine Henshell files nomination papers for Ward 1
Jason Boelhouwer announces his candidacy in Ward 1
John Sweeney will run in Ward 4
Alexandra Kubrak will be running in Ward 4
 By Pepper Parr
March 15, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Much like the way rolling stock went through town at the Burlington Junction, what we fondly call Freeman Station, people come and go at the organization that is getting ready to begin real work on the structure that now sits on the north side of Fairview just before you get to the fire station.
 It was a proud day for James Smith – the signing of the Joint Venture Agreement between the city and the Friends of Freeman Station. Smith, standing behind the red light, signed on behalf of the organization. The Board of Directors announced that James Smith, President of Friends of Freeman Station (FoF) has resigned for personal reasons – good personal reasons. Smith will remain on the Board of Directors. He was a lead player in the significant effort that saved the station from the wrecking ball – the city did everything it could to get rid of the building – weren’t even able to sell it for scrap wood.
Brian Aasgaard, will assume the position of President; he served as a Vice-President of Friends of Freeman Station for a number of years. Brian has done an outstanding job as Vice-President, and will devote the same level of high energy and enthusiasm he has always shown. Brian has this uncanny knack for getting people to give the FoF stuff that relates to railway operations.
The FoF is always looking for new members, especially people who are good with tools and want a reason to get out of the house and be with the guys.
 John Mellow stands in the cold with artist David Harrington proudly displaying a print of the building the FoF are refurbishing to its 1906 condition. The renowned, internationally acclaimed heritage artist, David Harrington has taken out a membership and generously donated one of his limited edition prints to Friends of Freeman Station to assist in their fundraising efforts to restore the station back to its 1906 when it was first constructed. This limited edition “ The Burlington Freeman Station” print is numbered 19/500, signed by the artist.
Getting the public to take a sense of ownership in a project is a fine art – coming up with a name that tells the story in a few words is part art and part science. The good people over at the Friends of Freeman Station appear to be breaking one of the cardinal rules in keeping a story alive and growing: never mix up the message.
 Most people know it as the Freeman Station – even though officially it was the Burlington Junction station and that is what the sign on the structure will say the day it is opened as a tourist destination. We are seeing the words Burlington Junction being used – and that is in fact the real name of the station. It was one of two train stops in Burlington. The Burlington West station was the one used by the farmers to ship their produce into Toronto. It was located near a farm owned by the Freeman family and came to be known as the Freeman station when in fact the Freeman’s and had nothing to do with the station. Farmers tend to talk in terms of property by the name of the people who own the land – even though the ownership of that land changed hands years ago.
However, the public knows it as the Freeman Station – introducing the real name in media releases just confuses people. Do what the politicians do – stick to the message. If you don’t – you lose your audience.
Background links:
Freeman station saved – city signs the agreement.
 By Staff
March 14, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Halton Regional Police Officers in Burlington have arrested a man in connection to a series of liquor thefts from LCBO Stores in Burlington and Oakville.
Between February 13th and March 3rd 2014, Neil MACMILLAN (30 Yrs) of Oakville, attended numerous L.C.B.O. Stores where he stole a variety of liquor totaling approximately $3,950.
On March 3rd 2014, an astute LCBO employee recognized MACMILLAN from a previous theft and called police. MACMILLAN left the LCBO prior to police arrival however he was located a short time later exiting a neighbouring Metro Store where he was arrested and found to have a quantity of packaged meat which he had just stolen worth $201.
MACMILLAN was held for bail charged with theft under $5,000 (11 Counts) and breach of Probation (33 Counts).
 By Staff
March 14, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
I didn’t know we had that many Irish people in the city. This year’s well-celebrated St. Patrick’s Day falls on Monday, March 17th and the Halton Regional Police Service officers will be out on Monday ensuring those that clink glasses won’t clink cars.
Blatantly discrimination if you ask me. Were the police out in force on the feast of St. George? Certainly not – but then the British were never known for their boisterousness. A polite hear, hear is the best you can expect from them.
The police have recognized that many Halton residents will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this Friday or Saturday night instead and want to advise motorists to expect to see several RIDE programs in effect and also note a higher uniform presence patrolling in licensed establishments over this weekend, educating the public about impaired driving and enforcing the laws to ensure everyone on our roads are safe.
On Saturday March 15th, the Halton Regional Police Service in joint partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) , the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) will also be on location, conducting proactive checks at local LCBO and Beer stores throughout the Region.
 You will need the “luck of the Irish” to avoid the police dragnet this weekend. This team will be also be focusing their efforts on conducting bar checks at licensed establishments and reminding the staff of their responsibilities under the Liquor License Act, and encouraging staff to call police should they suspect a patron is about to drive a motor vehicle while impaired.
Informative St. Patrick’s Day fliers will be handed out at RIDE checks across the Region in efforts to educate the public and spread the word about the consequences of impaired driving.
The Halton Regional Police Service wishes everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and encourages party-goers to celebrate responsibly. Don’t Press Your Luck!….Use a Designated Driver!
Would getting Leprephaun to take the wheel be acceptable?
 By Staff
March 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The wheels of justice grind slowly in Canada but it is usually fully served.
On June 13th 2011, two assailants entered Don Deez Clothing Limited at 390 Martha Street in Burlington, one of which was armed with a handgun.
The lone employee struggled with one of the assailants before breaking free and fleeing down some stairs located at the back of the store when a gunshot was heard.
The assailants fled the store however a trail of blood led police to the location of some stolen clothing and the involved firearm which had been discarded in some bushes.
Investigators determined that one of the assailants sustained a gunshot during the robbery attempt and that person was eventually identified as Jamar Andre FRANCIS (25 yrs) of Silverstone Dr. in Etobicoke. He was ultimately arrested and charged with Robbery Using a Firearm.
FRANCIS was found guilty and on March 7th 2014, he was sentenced to a jail term of 6-years however he will receive credit for the time already spent in custody.
The second assailant has yet to be identified. It will be tough for Francis to get parole as long as he keeps the name of his partner to himself.
Anyone with information that can identify the second assailant is encouraged to call 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 X2343 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
March 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It looked as if it was like getting caught up on the paper work. Detective Eric Schwab, Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau, took a crew from the Oakville District Strategic Support Team , in conjunction with the 2 District Offender Manager, and proactively sought out individuals in the Oakville area who were the subject of outstanding arrest warrants. Over the course of this initiative three Criminal Code warrants were executed, eight individuals were arrested, and seven were charged with a total of 18 criminal offences.
If this pro-activity worked that well in Oakville – can Burlington be far behind. Some of your less than savoury friends might be leaving town for a while.
Between March 10th and 12th, 2014 the following individuals were arrested, and are facing the corresponding criminal charges:
Frances BOWLES (48 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Assault, Mischief Under $5,000, and Fail to Appear for Court. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on March 28th.
Dustin ZITA (23 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Unlawfully at Large, Obstruct Police, Breach of Probation (4 Counts). He has already pled guilty to these charges and is currently being held in custody.
Natalie WATSON (19 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Obstruct Police. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on April 14th.
Alan FORREST (51 years old, of Mississauga)
Charged with Fail to Appear for Court, Fail to Appear for Prints, Theft Under $5,000 (2 Counts), Breach of Probation. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on March 13th.
Justin HOWITT (27 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Theft Under $5,000, and Fail to Appear for Court. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on April 15th.
Christopher TELFORD (28 years old, of Mississauga)
Charged with Breach of Probation and Fail to Appear for Court. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on March 25th.
Mary WHALEN (54 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Breach of Probation. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on March 13th.
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
March 12, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
There is news and then there is news. There is what media people call “fluff” stories that really don’t say very much, have absolutely no impact but make the people who send them out feel warm and fuzzy.
Then there are news items that are significant, play up an event or offer information that has people saying to themselves – now that mattered.
Yesterday two such news items drifted into the Burlington Gazette. The city has, once again been ranked the fifth-best city overall in Canada, including the third-best place to raise children, the second-best place for new immigrants and the third-best place to retire. The top five cities on the list are St. Albert, Calgary and Strathcona in Alberta and Ottawa and Burlington in Ontario.
Mayor Goldring said the expected: “ I know members of City Council join me in expressing our absolute delight that Burlington tops the list of mid-sized Canadian cities. We are a physically beautiful city with great weather” – this on a day when the city got 12 cm of snow, with another 4 cm expected later in the day.
 In their media release MonySense magazine added: “That said, Burlington is one of the more expensive cities in our ranking. The average home costs almost $500,000, which is four and a half times the average family income. Still, this city earns high marks for low unemployment, pleasant weather, low crime, high incomes and, notably, great transit. While traffic can make the commute to Toronto a pain, the province’s GO train service makes up for this. Lee-Hutchinson pays $450 per month to travel to and from Toronto where she runs a photography and production company with her husband. It’s pricey but that buys her time to relax by reading or watching movies.”
Earlier in the day we were told that Hatch Mott MacDonald had earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement: the King Road Grade Separation Project in Burlington, Ontario.
 Five million pound concrete box slides underneath railway tracks at King Road. “What might have been a lengthy, complicated effort: said the media release “ to create a new railroad underpass beneath a busy roadway in a densely populated area was completed in just 72 hours. A 2,500-ton reinforced concrete “box” was built adjacent to the crossing, then resourcefully rolled into place during a weekend rail service outage. The four rail lines were back in service at the start of the workweek.”
“The project marks the first time an accelerated bridge construction project of this scale has been completed in North America. It serves as a valuable example to other transportation agencies facing time and space constraints in their own infrastructure improvement programs.”
“The project was one of 143 engineering projects judged by a panel of more than 25 engineers, architects, government officials, media members, and academics. Criteria for the awards include uniqueness and originality, technical innovation, social and economic value, complexity, and success in meeting goals.”
For those who watched the event – it was broadcast live over the internet – all 72 hours – with people sitting in a grandstand the city set up – it was an amazing event. To watch that 2,500 ton cube of concrete slide into position was a marvel.
THAT was something to blow our horn about. Burlington’s engineering department was in the thick of this project that got started when the city successfully pursued CN Rail to a federal regulatory commission that decided CN Rail had to pay for the bulk of the work. Years of planning got the city to a Friday afternoon of a holiday weekend when the last train rolled through the tracks that crossed King Road.
72 hours later – at just before 5 in the morning, the first of the commuter trains rolled through – the project was complete.
Background links:
King Road grade separation completed in 72 hours.
 By Pepper Parr
March 12, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
During the time of Jesus in first century Israel, there were tax collectors who could walk up to a man and tax him for what he was carrying. These tax collectors were hated and despised because they were usually fellow Jews who worked for Rome. There were many taxes needed from the provinces to administrate the Roman Empire. These taxes paid for a good system of roads, law and order, security, religious freedom, a certain amount of self-government and other benefits. The men who did this work were called publicans.
It isn’t all that much different today. The province of Ontario requires the municipalities to maintain roads and water treatment plants; we have to have a police force, we have to have a Medical Officer of Health who administers rules the province puts in place.
The city of Burlington levies taxes. City council recently passed a budget that set a budget of $133,816,211 for current operations and $67 million for capital expenditures and determined that home owners will pay a tax of $12.78 for every $100,000 of property valuation. That property assessment is set by MPAC – the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation..
Every property owners know what the taxes are on their homes – what most people don’t know is that different types of property pay a different amount of tax
Residential property is taxed at what they refer to as 1; which means they pay that $12.78 for every $100,000 of property assessment.
There are eight different classes of property:
Residential (1.0)
New multi-residential (2.0)
Multi-residential (2.26)
Commercial (1.45)
Industrial (2.35),
Farmlands (0.20)
Managed forests (0.25)
Pipelines, (1.06)
 This Enbridge pipe line runs from border to border of the city – they pay .06 more on their assessment than you do for your house. What is the pipeline asses at? We don’t know that. Those numbers in brackets represent the tax ratio rate, with residential always set at 1. So for a property assessed at $200,000 that is residential that rate would be 2 x $12.78 a property that is classed Commercial the rate would be 2.35 x $12.78 assuming the same $200,000 assessment
 This isn’t exactly the middle of a farm field is it. Land that could be taxed as commercial gets a farmland tax rate even if it is in the middle of town – all you have to do is cut the hay and bale it. Take a look at that farmland rate and recall driving by one of those vacant lots on the South service Road where you may have seen round bales of hay that never seems to get taken away. That property managed to get itself classes as farmland and all they have to pay is 0.20 of that $12.78 tax rate. Now you know why developers can hang onto land and are patient while its value increases. They get it classified as farm land, have someone cut what is really low, low quality hay and pay 1/5th of the rate you are paying for your property.
Those tax rates are set by the Regional government. Burlington has seven seats on the 20 member council – but don’t expect our team to suggest a different tax structure for farmland held by developers or for that matter, land in those large estates north of 407. Huge homes where people live in the lap of luxury – which is fine. Heck they earned their money (didn’t they?) and if they can afford that kind of space good on them – but have them pay the same taxes as those poor shmucks in the suburbs south of Dundas.
Things used to better in Burlington; there was a time when the city levied a tax on telephone poles. “we can’t do that anymore” advised the Director of Finance. There was a bit of a wistful look in her eye when she made that statement.
 By Staff
March 12, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Someone hasn’t told city hall that we have at least one more solid snowfall coming our way – and there just may be another one after that as well. No matter, the library service wants you to begin getting ready to get that bike ready for the road and is offering three programs at the Central Library on the art of bicycle use and maintenance being given by the Burlington Cycling Committee a volunteer advisory committee of Burlington City Council.
It’s time to release your bike from winter storage and get your wheels spinning with a series of free cycling seminars suggests the city. All the classes are free and will be given at the Central Library on New Street; they begin March 20th and wrap up on May 5.
Amazing Cycling Cities Thursday, March 20, 2014 – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Short videos of inspirational cities from around the world that support safe cycling in innovative and creative ways.
 Women Cyclists — Wednesday, April 16, 2014 – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Yes, You Can! – featuring triathlete Nancy Hastings and health and fitness motivational speaker Gail Van Egmond.
Ever thought about riding your bike for fun or fitness? Hear inspirational stories from women cyclists, including triathlete and coach Nancy Hastings and cyclist Gail Van Egmond on how they got started in this growing sport and how you can get started as well. All attendees will have a chance to win a door prize of a free bike tune-up from Rock and Road Cycle and Sports.
 Basic maintenance is important and knowing how to get the chain back onto the sprockets is always good to know. Bike Maintenance 101 – Monday, May 5, 2014 – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Learn how to get your bike road-ready for spring and how to keep it maintained throughout the year with advice from the experts at Burlington’s Mountain Equipment Co-op.
All seminars are free, pre-registration is required. Call the Central branch of Burlington Public Library at 905-639-3611, ext. 1321.
 By Pepper Parr
March 11, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
This is part 1 of a four-part series on the concept of Mobility Hubs; a concept the public has been discussing during two public workshops. We start with the down town hub and follow-up on the Burlington, Appleby and Aldershot GO station hubs.
There are a handful of subjects getting talked about at city council and at public meetings that have the potential for a huge impact on the kind of Burlington that is going to exist in the city’s midterm future – 8 to ten years out.
 The suggestion that the John Street terminal be torn down to save $8000 a year in operating costs moved the discussion on transit and mobility hubs into new territory. We saw the thin edge of those discussions when Burlington Transit suggested closing the John Street terminal to save $8000 a year. That suggestion got turned down – the decision wasn’t unanimous.
The three discussions taking place are:
1: What are we going to do with public transit.
2: An overall Master Transportation Plan
3: The creation of Mobility hubs.
The John Street terminal became a budget issue; the transit people wanted to remove it while the recommendation in the draft Mobility Hub document said – “a strong transit presence was necessary for the downtown mobility hub.” The left hand didn’t seem to be talking to the right hand.
 The Big Move conversation was an important part of the province beginning to tackle the problem of moving people efficiently. The public review of the Mobility Hub concept for Burlington came about when the province, through Metrolinx, created a plan they called The Big Move. The province had come to the realization that better ways had to be found to move people. The congestion on the QEW was beyond being tolerable and traffic within the city was plugging up at major intersections frequently. Solutions were needed. The Big Move got the discussion started provincially now it is taking place in communities across the province. Because Burlington is in the process of reviewing its Official Plan moving people had to become part of that that conversation.
When the public consultation on the mobility hubs is complete a directions document will be sent to the team working up the next version of the city’s Official Plan, which is a document Burlington is required to review and revise every five years.
 The discussion was about four possible mobility hubs – one at each GO station and a fourth downtown. Mobility hubs are urban growth centers and major transit station areas with significant levels of planned transit service with high residential and employment development potential within an approximately 800 metre radius of the rapid transit station.
Hubs are seen as a gateway for visitors to a city. The objective of a hub is to create a seamless integration between modes: walking, cycling, transit and private vehicles with a mix of uses that support a healthy neighbourhood in attractive public spaces.
The need for these studies came about when Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario was created to improve the coordination and integration of all modes of transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The organization’s mission is to champion, develop and implement an integrated transportation system for the region that enhances prosperity, sustainability and quality of life. Metrolinx launched The Big Move, a Regional Transportation Plan to allow people to use public transit to travel easily from Hamilton to Newmarket to Oshawa. It’s the final piece in a three-part approach by the province to prepare the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area for growth and sustained prosperity.
Metrolinx is a part of the provincial plan that includes the Greenbelt, which protects more than 1.8 million acres of environmentally sensitive and agricultural land in the heart of the region, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, a plan that coordinates population and job growth.
The The Big Move – identified that the province’s transit and transportation problems as regional in nature and across municipal boundaries. The solution required the coordination and integration of transit and transportation systems in order to allow growth to happen and help people and businesses move more easily throughout the region.
In 2009, Metrolinx merged with GO Transit, the regional public transit service. The organization grew further with the addition of two more operating divisions – the Union Pearson Express in 2010 and PRESTO, an electronic fare card that allows riders to transfer seamlessly across multiple transit systems, in 2011.
Burlington is now applying Metrolinx Mobility Hub Guidelines, to identify and address opportunities and constraints of Burlington’s mobility hubs and major transit station areas. The thinking that comes out of the public meetings will inform the integration of mobility hub objectives and policy directions in the Official Plan and, where applicable, inform directions for the City of Burlington’s Core Commitment, Transportation Master Plan, Community Trails Strategy, Community Energy Plan, and others. Ideally, the community will propose Placemaking – streetscapes, branding, programming; Land Use – mix of uses, employment protection, infill; Built Form -height, massing, facades; Open Space and Circulation – transit, cycling facilities, new and improved parks.
The thinking for Burlington was four different mobility hubs: a downtown hub that would appear to center on John Street between John and Pine and then a hub at each of the GO stations: Burlington, Aldershot and Appleby Line.
We start this with a review of the thinking that has been done on the Downtown hub:
 Boundaries set out for the Downtown mobility hub. For each situation the planners set out a mission statement and then provide comment on the opportunities and constraints with each situation; land use within a specific area (800 metres); and the existing built form.
Land Uses as set out in the draft document of a downtown hub would encourage mixed-use (retail, office, residential) infill with transit-supportive infrastructure on vacant and underutilized lots (Lots 4 and 5 subject to additional study).
 This graphic shows some of the constraints as well as the opportunities for a mobility hub in the downtown core. Along John and James Street, new development should reinforce a strong transit presence through attractive waiting areas, ticketing functions and supporting retail.
The idea would be to concentrate the greatest densities in close proximity to the transit station at John Street and along the key transit corridors to protect adjacent residential neighborhood’s and heritage buildings.
At the edge of the Primary Zone, the height, mass and design of buildings should be controlled to provide appropriate transitions to adjacent stable residential neighborhoods, Martha Street and Hurd Avenue.
Maintain and promote a transit presence at the Burlington Transit Terminal. Explore opportunities to redevelop the area as a mixed-use area, with transit – supportive uses at grade (i.e. cafes, plazas, retail, etc.) while retaining part of the site for complimentary transit facilities.
Develop Brant Plaza to ensure new buildings support the mobility hub vision, including pedestrian supportive streets and height limitations to adjacent properties.
The built for the downtown mobility hub would reinforce nodes at Baldwin Street/Victoria Avenue and Brant Street and on Lakeshore Road at the key Downtown intersections.
 Would a downtown mobility hub result in greater density on the east side of Brant Street? Would traffic from the core work itself to the Burlington GO station? Where Tall buildings (> 10-storeys) are provided, typically on Brant Street/Lakeshore Road. they should be designed and massed to protect and frame views of Lake Ontario.
At Brant Plaza, new buildings should create a mid-rise (6 to 10-storey) character along Brant Street that compliments the uses south of Caroline Street. At the rear of the site, height limitations are encouraged to provide a transition to the residential dwellings along Wellington Avenue and Emerald Crescent.
 Would the west side of Brant Street south of the Brant Plaza be kept at a smaller scale? Would this create the kind of traffic that transit needs to justify the amount being spent on bus operations in the city. Does transit even have a future in Burlington? Mid-Rise and Tall buildings should be subject to front and rear-yard angular planes to reduce their perceived mass and minimize shadow and privacy impacts.
The report also asks that more efficient alternatives to surface parking, including above and below-ground structured parking where feasible, and on-street parking.
The Open Space and circulation thinking would Reinforce Brant Street as the primary Downtown main street leading to the waterfront. It should be a ‘complete street’ with equal consideration given to all modes of transportation, including transit, pedestrian, cyclists, and vehicles.
Promote Brant Street as the primary connection between the Burlington GO Mobility Hub and the waterfront. Support this role through streetscape initiatives, active ground floor uses and street-related infill that builds on the continuous pedestrian-supportive main street.
Promote pedestrian-focused street design on Brant Street and John Street to balance the multiple roles of the street as a vibrant place and connector.
Create a linked network of cycling connections to promote active transportation to and throughout the Downtown. New Bicycle Priority Streets are encouraged on local streets to provide continuous connections.
The draft document suggests extending the Centennial Bike Trail to connect to Brant Street as part of the Downtown Core Commitment.
As you read this over and look at the graphics – is this a Burlington you see in your mind’s eye; is this the direction you want to see the development of your city going in?
 Planners work from deep experiences bases but they need the thinking of the general public. While the public meetings on these hubs have come to a close there will be an additional opportunity for comment when the planners take their report to a city council Standing Committee, expected before the summer. There is never enough public input on projects like this in the early stages.
In the past Burlington has not had the kind of news media that provided this kind of background and explanation in context. Traditional print media rarely has the space to provide the illustrations.
The thinking behind the Burlington, Aldershot and Appleby GO stations follows in separate articles.
Background links:
John Street terminal not going anywhere right now.
 By Staff
March 11, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
At a time when many were at church last Sunday, the fire department got a call – 10:56 am exactly – that smoke was coming out of the roof at 2063 Hadfield Court, a street north of Upper Middle Road, west of Appleby Line.
The first fire crew to arrive could see smoke and flames on the roof of the single family dwelling. Firefighters determined the fire originated in the attic area on the second storey of the house and pulled the ceiling beside the chimney down exposing the flames which were quickly extinguished.
 In a community with swimming pools in many of the back yards – a chimney fire cause damage estimated at $250,000 The fire had extended into the roof which moved the focus to the exterior of the house.
Once the fire was extinguished on the roof crews ensured that any extension from the fire was eliminated.
The fire was declared out and the home owner was allowed back into the building at 14:02, the fire trucks pulled out and that was it.
There were no injuries just massive water damage estimated at $ 250,000
The fire is believed to have been caused by a fire in the chimney The fire safety message in the media report: Have all chimneys cleaned and inspected every year.
And now the family at 2063 Hadfield Court begins the messy job of cleaning up and doing their best to get the smell of the fire out of the house.
 By Staff
March 10, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday March 8, 2014 at approximately 2:40AM, a male victim was walking eastbound on Lakeshore Road in Burlington passing the Burlington Art Centre on the North side walk. Three unknown male suspects proceeded westbound towards the victim; one of the suspects made a derogatory comment to the victim and proceeded to punch the victim in the face area causing the victim to fall to the ground. The second male suspect then punched the victim in the facial area as the victim attempted to get to his feet. The suspects proceeded westbound on Lakeshore Road. The victim sustained minor injuries.
The suspects are described as follows:
Suspect #1- Male, Caucasian, approximately 30 years of age, 6’0 tall, heavy-set, brown hair, brown chin straps and goatee, wearing a dark-colored pea jacket.
Suspect #2- Male, Caucasian, approximately 30 years of age, 6’0 tall, thin build, short red/orange hair, wearing a dark-colored pea jacket.
Suspect #3- Male, Caucasian, approximately 30 years of age, 5’8 tall, thin build wearing a dark baseball hat in a backwards fashion, and a black ski jacket with white stripes on the arms.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Julie Powers, 3 district Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 X2323
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
March 10, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
On Saturday March 8th 2014, a salesman working for National Home Services was going door to door in the area of Riverside Drive in Burlington, trying to get residents to switch their hot water tank services.
At about 12:30 pm, the salesman was invited into a residence where he talked to the female homeowner. After some discussion, the homeowner decided not to switch services and the salesman left.
Shortly after, the female homeowner and one of two her children departed the residence to do errands, leaving her 11-year-old daughter alone in the home.
Just after her mother left the residence, the 11-year-old heard someone knocking on the door and as she went to answer it, she noticed the door was opening so she went upstairs to retrieve a phone.
As she returned downstairs, the same salesman approached the 11-year-old child on a landing where he asked if her parents were home, her name and how old she was. After she answered the questions, the salesman placed one hand on the girl’s shoulder and another over her mouth then told her not to scream and he wouldn’t hurt her. When the salesman removed his hand from her mouth, she seized an opportunity to escape and ran unharmed from the home to a neighbour where police were called.
The salesman fled the residence but was quickly arrested by police a short distance away and held for bail.
Arrested:
Daniel WIGHT (19 yrs.) of Birchmount Rd. in Toronto
Charges:
- Break, enter and commit assault
- Forcible confinement
- Uttering threats
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call 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
March 9, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
An accident on Mainway in Burlington earlier in the week was more than an Oakville resident’s body could handle; he died at the Hamilton General Hospital at around 3:30 pm yesterday.
Detective Constables from the Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) continue to investigate the matter. Police have not released the name of the victim and to date no charges have been laid against the driver of the vehicle.
This is the second traffic fatality to be investigated by the CRU in 2014, and the first in Burlington.
Background links:
Evening accident sends Oakville resident to hospital.
 By Emily Ferguson
March 8, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
My name is Emily Ferguson and I am the sole individual behind Line 9 Communities. (This is a blog Ferguson writes about the communities along the path of the Enbridge Pipe Line 9 that runs from Sarnia to Montreal.)
I graduated from McMaster University with Honours BA Geography & Environmental Studies and a minor in Political Science.
 Emily Ferguson mapped every yard of the pipeline so that communities along its path could know just what was beneath the ground. I first heard about Line 9 at a climate conference in Ottawa in 2012. My interest led me to attend information sessions in Hamilton and surrounding area in early 2013. At one meeting in particular, I asked for a Line 9 information package which had been provided to Council. Although there were extra packages after the meeting, an Enbridge official denied my request and asked “Who are you working for”? The Enbridge team then proceeded to ask myself and a fellow community member for our driver’s licenses and said they would mail a package. Something about the encounter just didn’t feel right and we walked away without the information.
 Emily Ferguson – National Energy Board intervener, geographer. That was the turning point. I went home that night with so many questions. Why was I being denied access to information at a public meeting? What were they trying to hide? Why didn’t they want me to know where the pipeline was?
So I took it upon myself to map Line 9. Throughout an unimaginable number of late nights, I compiled satellite images, integrity data and publicly available information to create detailed maps of the 639 km pipeline.
I did it because they said no.
I did it because I felt the need to inform the public.
If Enbridge wasn’t going to adequately consult … who would?
 For Burlington – this is where the pipeline was located. I contacted multiple City Counselors along the line and sat down over coffee with many to discuss the proposal. The lack of information provided to municipalities shocked me. I proceeded to canvass neighbourhoods along the line to poll residents and provide details about open houses and how to get involved.
Line 9 Communities gained instant attraction. Although I blogged about the application, past spills, and changes to federal legislation, viewers wanted one thing … MAPS! Essentially they wanted to know, where is the pipeline and why don’t I know about it?
 Emily Ferguson mapped ever foot of the pipeline from Hamilton to Montreal and learned that the thing ran underground right behind her elementary school – the pipeline had always been a part of her life – She didn’t even know it was there. During the map creation, I found out that Line 9 crosses right through the small community where I grew up. The pipeline is located directly behind my public school playground in Glenburnie, ON, just north of Kingston. It also passes behind Seneca College in Toronto which I attended for three years. I had literally been living beside the line my entire life … and didn’t even know it existed. All of a sudden, things became very personal.
I felt compelled to learn everything I could about the project. My biggest supporter along the way was Eva Simkins – my Grandma. Although diagnosed with cancer in 2009, two weeks of radiation treatments gave us the gift of four extremely memorable years. We traveled, talked politics, did puzzles, celebrated, smiled and laughed. Through it all though, I knew there was that big question in her mind. Why me?
I wondered the same thing.
She held my hand as she peacefully passed away at sunrise on Earth Day of this year … just three days after I applied to be an NEB Intervener.
In my opinion, we accept the status quo far too often. At a Line 9 open house, an Enbridge official told me, “if we say it’s safe, it’s safe”. But I must question the safety of this pipeline. At almost 40 years old and only meeting the engineering standards of 1971, why is the NEB even considering the application? Enbridge has cited over 400 integrity digs (cracks, corrosion, dents) along the line in 2013 alone! They have also acknowledged that their in-line inspection tools do not detect all defects and that their Edmonton control center cannot sense pin hole leaks. With the current application before the Board, Enbridge is proposing to ship Bakken crude and diluted bitumen laced with drag reducing agent (DRA) chemicals – which include known carcinogens such as benzene – through our communities.
I have never had any malicious intent towards Enbridge. As a citizen of Canada and student of environmental politics, I have always been interested in energy issues, climate change, and a sustainable future for our planet. I believe in the strength of communities working together to achieve great things.
My mission through this entire process has been to raise awareness and promote a community discussion. We are living in a critical time. Will we continue to accept the status quo, or will we start asking the tough questions and demand a better future?
Editor’s note: I had an opportunity to interview Emily while she was thinking about applying to be an intervener at the National energy Board hearing. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do then and she needed quite a bit of encouragement to send in her application, which was an experience in itself. But on October 16th, 2013, Emily Ferguson, all 5’ 2” of her stood before one of the most powerful regulators in the country and gave “the best speech of my life”
Background links:
Burlington doesn’t take to the idea of a change in the flow of the Enbridge pipeline
National Energy Board give Enbridge a green light – with 30 conditions.
The Emily Ferguson maps.
 By Staff
March 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Back in February there was a collision at Appleby and New Street involving three vehicles. Two of the involved vehicles remained at the scene however a third vehicle fled the area.
Witness provided police with enough information for them to later identify the fleeing vehicle which was later reported stolen by the owner. This vehicle was recovered the following day a short distance from the accident location.
Arrested:
Zabiuhalla AZIZULLA (20 yrs) of Nottingham Avenue in Burlington (Released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on April 2nd 2014)
Charges:
Failing to Stop at the Scene of an Accident (S. 252 C.C.)
- Obstruct Peace Officer (S. 129(a) C.C.)
If you can add to the information the police already have contact Detective Constable Trasmundi – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905)825-4747 ext. 233
 By Pepper Parr
March 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It’s just, jobs, jobs, jobs – nothing else matters. The focus on creating jobs is so tight that Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak has decided to move off his “right to work” position, which no one other than the hard headed right wingers who didn’t like the increase in the minimum wage, liked all that much anyway.
The province released data on Friday – Ontario gained 6,100 net jobs in February – full-time employment rose by 5,300 positions last month. Ontario’s job market grew by 95,700 net jobs in 2013 and today’s increase is in addition to the 6,000 net jobs the province gained in January.
 Premier Wynne runs a job training course for Mayor and Ed Eves, president of the Lakeshore Rotary Club The province has recovered all the jobs lost during the global recession and employment is now 2.7 per cent above the pre-recession peak. February’s job gains contributed to an overall increase of 446,100 jobs since the low point of the recession in June 2009. Ontario’s economic recovery continues to outpace the United States and the Great Lakes States since June 2009.
In February alone, Ontario announced investments that will help create 340 new jobs and retain almost 2,300 jobs in the province.
The provincial government claims it is creating 200 manufacturing and R&D jobs by supporting the launch of a new clean energy manufacturing facility in London.
 Cisco is investing heavily in the Toronto area market and expects to invest $100 million over ten years. Toronto has been selected as the location for one of four global Cisco Internet of Everything Innovation Centers, representing an investment of $100 million over 10 years. The province is taking some of the credit for this development.
Ontario has committed over $100 million through Southwestern and Eastern Ontario Development Funds — attracting a total investment of almost $1 billion. This is helping to create and retain more than 24,400 jobs in Ontario communities.
We didn’t see any of that money landing in Burlington
The province has a Youth Jobs Strategy that they claim will help create job opportunities for about 30,000 youth over two years. It has already created internships and job placements for more than 8,200 youth in the province.
 By Pepper Parr
March 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
That the National Energy Board (NEB) decided to let Enbridge Pipeline Inc., reverse Line 9, a pipeline that runs right through the top of Burlington, should not have been a surprise. We are talking about oil from Alberta that they want to transport to Montreal and nothing was going to stop that from happening.
That it is some of the dirtiest oil being taken out of the ground was not a concern; that we spend a tremendous amount of energy getting that oil out of the ground was not a concern either.
 Enbridge has an 18 metre easement through the top of the city. A serious break or leak in that line puts toxic bitumen into parts of the city’s water supply. That the pipe line is close to 40 years old and has had numerous problems – well that was a concern and the NEB did put 30 conditions into their decision – which was a first step. Ensuring that Enbridge complies with those conditions is like expecting a drug addict to live up to bail conditions – doesn’t happen.
Enbridge is not a nice company; they tend to bully and they have real clout with the federal government and its regulators and they aren’t shy about using that clout. They aren’t comfortable with the truth and they think their technology can solve every problem that crops up. They fail to realize they are working against nature – not a win situation for them.
Having said all that – that oil is going to flow and it is going to flow through our back yard and we had better ensure that we have the resources in place to handle any break or leak in that line. And we need to hold Enbridge accountable and give up on the idea that they are a responsible corporate entity that will do the right thing. There is far too much evidence saying they won’t and they don’t.
In its media release the city says “it’s encouraging that the National Energy Board has placed conditions on Enbridge Inc. before Enbridge can reverse the flow of its Line 9B pipeline through Burlington and other municipalities.”
That’s a generous interpretation.
 These are the creeks that run from the Escarpment towards Lake Ontario. We all know where they are in the city – we just want them to continue to carry clean water to the lake. “There are 30 conditions Enbridge must meet, including concerns identified by the City of Burlington in July 2013,” said Mayor Rick Goldring who was “cautiously optimistic” and believes “the National Energy Board took the city’s considerations to heart, which is encouraging. The safety of residents and the environment cannot be treated lightly.”
Time is needed to do a closer read of those 30 conditions. While you and I are reading those conditions Enbridge will be reading them and looking for ways to handle them at the least cost.
In its application, Enbridge requested NEB approval to reverse the direction of flow on a 639-kilometre segment of pipeline between North Westover, Ont. and Montreal, Que., as well as approval to increase the overall capacity to 300,000 from 240,000 barrels a day of the Line 9 pipeline from Sarnia to Montreal.
When the city sent a letter the NEB in July 2013 asking that Enbridge’s overall approach should minimize the likelihood of a release and that Enbridge should lead an effective and coordinated response in the event of a release; and that Enbridge should be fully accountable financially and operationally if there is a release.
Why does the city use the word “release” – it will be a leak from an old pipeline that was not properly inspected and not effectively maintained. Time for the city to call a spade a spade and get away from that silky smooth language of the public relations experts.
When there is an oil leak – we want Enbridge to be the first to know and then have them call the first responders in Burlington within in minutes.
 Mayor Rick Goldring: He does a pro-active mode and when he’s confident he puts it to good use. Time to get confident on this one Your Worship. Mayor Goldring got into his pro-active mode and invited Enbridge to provide the community with an overview of the project back in February of 2013. Showing us more of that pro-activity would be healthy for our Mayor
Line 9 runs through Halton Region in an east-west direction north of Highway 407 and south of Lower Base Line Road. In Burlington, the pipeline is located in an 18.3 metre easement north of Number 1 Side Road. There are no municipal approvals or permits required by Enbridge for this project.
“In its decision, the National Energy Board has imposed conditions on Enbridge, including pipeline integrity, focus on emergency response, and continued consultation, all of which are important for Burlington,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure with the city. “The NEB also refers to Enbridge’s need to have ongoing emergency response planning and consultation with municipalities and first responders. I think there is a level of detail in the NEB decision that we can work with.”
Stewart has taken a course in learning how to whistle as you walk past a graveyard.
The city is reviewing the 141-page decision and will be conferring with its municipal partners to determine the implications. The city will work with the municipal liaison group—which includes Hamilton, Mississauga and Toronto—and Enbridge to address conditions related to coordinated emergency response, pipeline integrity, lifecycle management, watercourse crossing management and post-construction monitoring.
Staff on the Burlington Fire Department receive regular training from Enbridge to be ready to respond should a spill take place.
BurlingtonGreen isn’t quite as positive as the city appears to be. They are “disappointed with the announcement of conditional approval of Enbridge’s Line 9 pipeline proposal.”
 Will this landowner be involved in discussions about what gets done if there is a spill? BurlingtonGreen “remains concerned not knowing if the public will have a chance to review the plans to mitigate risk to the drinking water of millions of people across Ontario and Quebec” and they want to know what will be done to protect the significant environmentally sensitive areas it crosses including the crest of the Niagara Escarpment in Burlington that has several species at risk. How, they ask is Enbridge going to engage local right of way landowners and neighbours, local governments, as well as train first responders. In addition, the position of shut off valves across water courses remains unspecific.
Thousands of citizens have signed petitions asking for full Provincial environmental assessments. Letters have been written to Provincial and Federal Ministers; people participated in public rallies, agencies formed coalitions, media were engaged, and the message was brought door to door in several awareness campaigns to residents in dense urban communities across the GTA and around Lake Ontario communities that did not realize the pipeline literally travels underneath them.
BurlingtonGreen with others brought the issue to the attention of the Burlington Mayor and City Hall in several delegations asking them to become involved to protect Burlington’s Niagara Escarpment and watershed system that feeds to Lake Ontario and Burlington resident’s drinking water, which they indeed did. For that Burlington residents may be grateful to a proactive local government. Unfortunately the National Energy Board is a federal regulator, so this has been another experience of local government hitting the jurisdictional authority wall and having little power to do more than issue statements of concern. That said, significant municipal collaboration did occur as the staff of towns and cities across the GTAH worked together to prepare collectively as interveners for the NEB hearing.
Background links:
Burlington not very interested in Enbridge’s plans for changes to the pipeline.
Enbridge passes a cheque along to the city, was it a sin tax?
Emily Ferguson; a community activist who spoke for the public at the NEB hearings.
 By Staff
March 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
A company engaged in garbage removal and hauling, and a supervisor have been found guilty of failing to ensure the safety of a worker who fell off a roof. The company was fined $75,000 and the supervisor has been sentenced to 45 days in jail. A company representative has also been fined $2,000 for obstructing a Ministry of Labour investigation.
The incidence took place in October of 2008, when workers were sent to an address to remove shingles from a one-storey bungalow. One of the workers was tossing loose shingles from the roof toward a bin and stepped back, then slipped. The worker rolled off the roof of the house and landed on a walkway. The injury resulted in permanent paralysis of the lower body. A Ministry of Labour investigation followed the incident.
 No safety harness for these workers. You can get sent to jail for that in Ontario. The injured worker testified to not being trained in the use of fall protection equipment, nor was any such equipment provided in the company-supplied truck used for transportation to and from the job site. As well, the worker indicated that the practice for payment for work was cash and that work was provided on an on-call basis. The worker identified J.R. Contracting Property Services as the employer and Teisha (Tina) Lootawan as the supervisor.
The court determined that the worker was an employee under the definition of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and that J.R. Contracting Property Services was the employer. The court also determined that Lootawan was a supervisor under the OHSA. As such, she failed as a supervisor to ensure that a worker wore protective devices as required by law, and failed as a supervisor to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that an adequate form of fall protection was provided where a worker is exposed to a fall hazard of more than three metres.
As the Ministry of Labour investigation proceeded, the company was requested to provide documentation that included employment and telephone records. A company representative, Andrew Joshua Haniff – who accepted the call from the Meadowvale Road homeowner requesting the company’s services – attended a meeting on December 23, 2008, but refused to answer any of the inspector’s questions. He was convicted by the court of obstructing an inspector.
The jail sentence and fines were imposed by Justice of the Peace Mary A. Ross Hendriks. The court heard seven days of testimony over 2011 and 2012; judgment was passed April 18, 2013.
The investigation, the court case and the decision point to the responsibility corporations and their senior staff have for the safety of their workers.
 By Staff
March 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
On a cold Thursday evening a 75 yr. old Oakville resident was rushed to Hamilton General Hospital where he remains in serious condition after being struck by a vehicle on Mainway Drive and Northside Road.
Police were called to the scene just before 7 p.m. in response to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a car.
Paramedics attended the scene and got the pedestrian to hospital.
The driver of the car, a 44 yr. old Burlington man, was not injured. He was taken to the 30 Division station where he was interviewed before returning home.
Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) was called to the scene. Reconstructionists have taken over the investigation. The intersection was still closed as of 11 p.m. while the CRU measured the scene and collected evidence.
Preliminary indications are that the senior was crossing Mainway when he was struck near the intersection with Northside by the vehicle, a black 2006 Saturn sedan.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the CRU at ext. 5065.
Police will not be releasing the name of the pedestrian or the driver. Next-of-kin are being notified.
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