 By Staff
June 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is investing $141 million to extend the temporary wage increase for personal support workers and direct support workers in publicly funded home and community care, long-term care, public hospitals, and social services sectors. This temporary wage increase will continue until August 23, 2021, and will help stabilize, attract and retain the workforce needed to provide a high level of care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 The province has been providing a temporary wage increase since October 1, 2020, to over 158,000 workers who deliver publicly funded personal support services, including:
• $3 per hour for approximately 38,000 eligible workers in home and community care;
• $3 per hour for approximately 50,000 eligible workers in long-term care;
• $2 per hour for approximately 10,000 eligible workers in public hospitals; and
• $3 per hour for approximately 60,000 eligible workers in children, community and social services providing personal direct support services for the activities of daily living.
This latest temporary wage increase builds on the government’s previous wage enhancement extension on March 18, 2021, which was set to expire on June 30, 2021. Since October 2020, Ontario has invested $841 million to support personal support workers and supportive care workers. The province will continue to review the wage increase to inform next steps after August 23, 2021.
 By Staff
June 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has many great parks, big and small, that residents and visitors enjoy throughout the year. From playgrounds and skate parks to large, green open or forested areas, there is a park for everyone.
Starting June 14, the City will be piloting the Park Customer Experience program. The Park Experience team will be in parks to educate, engage and communicate with residents and park users, with a customer service focus.
We encourage park visitors to have a conversation with a Park Experience team member – ask questions about City of Burlington projects and general City related inquiries, get help navigating our website with a tablet, or learn about City events happening in the community.
Park Experience staff are also happy to pass along a compliment or help direct an issue to the right City staff person.
The Park Experience team will be visiting parks around the city and will have an ongoing presence at some of the busier parks like Spencer Smith, Beachway, LaSalle, Burloak, Norton and Lowville parks, daily throughout the summer. All team members will carry identification and be wearing a blue golf shirt.
During a review of the changes Parks and Recreation wants to make, now that the province is permitting municipalities to open up, a number of issues were identified.
 There are limits on how the park space can be used during this first phase of the Re-Opening. Issues:
- During the pandemic there has been an increase of residents’ passive use of parks year round
- Pre-pandemic, Recreation, Community and Culture has consciously limited the number of bookings in parks, outside of sport fields, events, picnics and photography, so that parks are not over subscribed with organized groups and allow for passive use of residents
- The province is entering step 1 of the Roadmap to Re-open adding additional park use in the parks for sport and fitness
- Group size of 10, 3 m distancing
- The additional passive use in the parks has already put pressure on parks maintenance – garbage pick ups, washroom servicing, adding use will add pressure to this current
- Some parks are much busier than others especially all the lakefront parks
- Some times of day are busier than others – weeknight and weekends
Options
The following options were considered:
Assumption: all options are only applicable while under Step 1 of the Province’s Roadmap to Re-Opening
- Do not permit fitness classes in parks and retain only passive resident use – no cost
- Allow for fitness classes in open spaces in select locations, in select parks, and at select times, and charge the appropriate approved rental rate – revenue generation
- Council-approved rate
- Not for Profit with the 20% rate reduction already approved by Council – $9.97/hour plus HST
- Commercial with the 20% rate reduction already approved by Council – $14.51/hour plus HST
- Limit to weekday use
- No lake front parks
- Not on sport fields because of wear and tear issues and existing permitted use
- Similar to photography permit conditions, it is the responsibility of the permit holder and group to accommodate the community in the park and to work around the
- Allow for fitness classes as outlined in option 2 but at no charge – no cost
- Allow for fitness classes in all parks without limitations and charge the appropriate fee – revenue generation
- Council-approved rate
- Not for Profit with the 20% rate reduction already approved by Council – $9.97/hour plus HST
- Commercial with the 20% rate reduction already approved by Council – $14.51/hour plus HST
- Allow for fitness classes in all parks without limitations at no charge – no cost
Option 2 was chosen by the Leadership Team and approved by the Standing Committee
Decision:
Permit fitness classes in open spaces in select locations, in select parks, and at select times, and charge the appropriate approved rental rate.
- This decision supports:
- Staff’s ability to quickly communicate and act on requests given the possibility Step 1 of the Province’s Roadmap to Re- Opening will transition to Step 2 in or around July 2nd.
- Staff balancing locations and timings with the passive use of
- Staff’s ability to monitor how many groups are in the parks, when and where through the permitting
- Equity of treatment with other parties seeking permits to utilize park space
Enforcement:
- No by-law enforcement is required as the Parks By-Law allows for this type of use
- COVID compliance with step 1 will occur on a complaint basis, when and if staff are available to investigate
- Sport Ambassadors and Park Experience staff will observe use, mitigate onsite issues and report and follow up with supervisors and if required staff may need to re-assess a park location and timing of the permit
- The permit holder must comply with all the terms and conditions for facility rental contract (permit). Non- compliance could result in the termination of the
 By Staff
June 11th, 2021
Burlington, ON
When ya gotta – ya gotta.
 Lots of porta potties in the Beachway – none in the downtown core. City council expect hundreds of people to be out on the streets and the need for access to washrooms – well there aren’t enough of them.
There is one in the building at 414 Locust that house a restaurant, the Tourism office and access to the parking garage.
City hall has found a way to open that space up to the public.
Issues:
- Significant demand of existing City provided washrooms in downtown area resulting in line-ups for use
- Discovery Landing, City Hall, Beachway Park Pavilion+ Portable Washrooms, Spenser Smith Park Portable Washrooms (East Side)
- Pressure on local businesses for use of their washrooms by public
Decision:
- Open washrooms at 414 Locust for public use
- Existing COVID restrictions Only one person/family use of washroom at a time.
- Staff monitoring occupancy flow into the lobby
- Availability
- June 11 – July 25 including statutory holidays
– Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Statutory Holidays – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
 Washroom access in the tourism office.
June 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Statement from the Mayor
The devastating loss of life that took place in London, Ontario earlier this week has affected us all and united us in heartbreak and grief, especially our Muslim friends and neighbours.
 Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward It is important that we take action to support our Muslim community and convey loud and clear that hate and violence will not be tolerated in our city, nor our country.
Our local Halton Mosque will be hosting a prayer service, open to the community, at Spencer Smith Park tomorrow afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
A traditional Muslim prayer service will take place first, where non-Muslims are welcome to observe. That service will be followed by a unifying prayer for the entire community.
We have confirmed with our Member of Provincial Parliament that under current provincial regulations, there is no limit on outdoor gatherings for religious services, other than what the outdoor space will accommodate with required physical distancing.
We ask everyone to stay 6 feet away from individuals or families you don’t live with, and wear a mask even outdoors if physical distancing is a challenge. The City of Burlington, including City Council, are supportive of this event and its intention to provide a way for our community to come together in support of the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
We have seen similar events take place already this week throughout many cities and towns, including London, Hamilton and Oakville.
Halton Regional Police Service will be on site at the event and fees for legal parking spaces in municipal parking lots, street spaces, and garages will be relaxed during that time frame.
 By Staff
June 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Meed Ward released the following comments to the public:
Last weekend, on Saturday night, we experienced a large gathering of youth at Beachway Park in Burlington, with approximately 1000 individuals congregating at the beach and surrounding parking lots.
Police responded on-site as many local residents reported their concerns relating to illegal gathering and crowding, public safety, use of the park after hours (the posted closure time is 11 p.m.), and the illegal use of fireworks and alcohol.
 Mayor has been made aware of efforts to organize a similar gathering this coming weekend. We have been made aware of efforts to organize a similar gathering this coming weekend and want to ensure the public is aware that the City of Burlington, including bylaw, roads and parks staff, is working in partnership with Burlington Fire and the Halton Regional Police to prevent this type of activity from recurring.
Our parks throughout Burlington are open to the public for responsible use so that our community can enjoy the amenities there and spend time outdoors. This is even more important during the current COVID-19 pandemic while indoor gatherings are still not permitted. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted by the Province as of Friday, June 11.
We are committed to providing our community with safe and healthy outdoor environments to support their physical and mental well-being.
In an effort to deter activity that will put health and safety at risk, we will be closing access to Beachway Park, including adjacent parking lots, beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening and limiting vehicle and pedestrian access on that area of Lakeshore Road. There will be an increased presence of police, bylaw officers and Burlington Fire personnel throughout all city parks over the weekend to monitor activity and keep our community safe and healthy.
Please use our parks as intended, safely and responsibly, so that everyone can continue to enjoy this valued outdoor space in these challenging times.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
By Pepper Parr
June 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We now know a little bit more about the survey that pulled in more than 4000 responses to the question: where would you like to see the next Rainbow Crosswalk.
The overwhelming response said put the Rainbow in front of the Catholic School Board.
The Gazette saw that as a little on the dicey side politically.
 Director of Communications for the city Kwab Ako-Adjei he survey was posted to the City’s Get Involved page and “promoted via our social accounts” said Director of Communications for the city Kwab Ako-Adjei who added that “Our office works with the department responsible for the survey to make changes or edits if needed. The survey ran from May 7-23.”
What Kwab Ako-Adjei does not say is the “department responsible” for the survey was the Office of the Mayor.
The Staff report said the “online public survey was prepared to expedite community consultation and respond to the community’s requests for additional locations…”
The intention appears to have been to catch the attention of the high school student cohort.
Mayor Meed Ward said during a Standing Committee meeting on Tuesday that she had written the survey.
All of the respondents were identified as anonymous.
None were identified by age or gender nor level of education
The vast majority of the respondents checked in the first two days the survey was online.
There were a few that responded to the survey on more than one occasion – but not enough to make much of a difference.
 The Get Involved web page on the city web site is a place where ideas and projects are posted and where people go for updates. The city tracks who takes part in the surveys and which issues they are following. Those that responded to the Rainbow Crosswalk survey were not part of the group that tends to follow the Get Involved web page. None of the 4295 aware and engaged respondents had ever interacted with the Get Involved web page before leading to the conclusion that they may never have heard of the page and were directed to it by their peers.
None of the Council members took issue with the Mayor preparing the survey; their concern was with the number of Rainbow Benches that were going to be placed in individual wards and wondering when a Rainbow Crosswalk could be painted in their ward.
Kelvin Galbraith said that painting a Crosswalk at the RBG would be a good way to tell people entering from Hamilton that Burlington was a 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Councillor Nisan wanted one in his ward and thought in front of he Art Centre would be a fine place.
Councillor Bentivegna didn’t appear to have a preference and Councilor Sharman knew there would be one in his ward in the fullness of time.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward taking part in a Standing Committee virtually What became evident as the debate progressed was that the Mayor put together a survey, the Communications people put it up on the Get Involved web page and then, sort of out of the blue 4000 + people responded.
With that moment the Mayor pressed for a decision to get Rainbow Crosswalks across the city saying speed is of the essence” and to “get it done quickly”
Councillor Sharman said it “strikes me as a bunch of folks got caught up” and that the information is not as objective as it might have been.”
Mayor Meed Ward described what was being done as a “made in Burlington” solution and then added that she could see “a Pride Parade” in the city’s future.
Just like Toronto?
By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With the news that the public is about to leave the pandemic bondage we were put into most people focus on deciding where they will go to for their first drink in a public place in many months.
The people that toil away at city hall on our behalf now need to pivot once again and begin providing service to people directly.
The following is an Update on City services and outdoor facilities…
The City of will now open up more outdoor activities with smaller crowds where risk of transmission is lower. It will also allow more limited indoor settings to be open, all with restrictions in place.
Changes to City services and programs:
City Hall
City Hall will be open to the public for washroom access every weekend until Labour Day weekend. Washroom hours are: Fridays, 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Beginning Monday, June 14, the Service Burlington counter at City Hall, at 426 Brant St., will be open to the public to offer in-person payments for:
• Parking permits and tickets
• Property taxes
• Freedom of Information requests
• Garbage tags
• Dog licenses
• Property information requests
• Recreation services
The counter will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Service Burlington will continue to offer marriage licenses and commissioning services by appointment only. Please call Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or start your booking online to schedule an appointment at burlington.ca/marriagelicences or burlington.ca/commissioning.
Anyone entering City Hall must wear a mask or face covering unless exempted from by the Mandatory Mask Bylaw. Residents are asked to bring and wear their own masks.
Payment methods accepted
Debit card payments and cheques are accepted for all payment types. Credit cards are accepted for all payment types except property taxes. If you would like to pay property taxes in cash, please visit your local bank to make the payment.
Customers are also welcome to use the drop box outside City Hall, located at the Locust Street entrance, to drop off cheque payments, letters, or small packages.
 Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit continues to operate on a modified schedule. For schedule and real-time bus information, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca. Reduced Youth Summer passes and SPLIT passes are available to purchase at the Downtown Terminal, 430 John St.
Halton Court Services
In-person court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday. Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services.
Patio Program
Outdoor dining with up to four people per table, with exceptions for larger households, will be allowed. City staff have been installing sidewalk detours and patio set-up this week in support of local business owners under the City’s patio program. As long as public health measures allow, the patio program will run until Oct. 31, 2021.
Recreation Services, Parks, Amenities and Facilities
Sport Fields
Sport fields will open Saturday, June 12 for program user groups to hold skills and drills with a maximum of 10 people. Sport organizations will be contacted for scheduling.
 Outdoor Pools
Nelson and Mountainside Pool and Splash Parks will open on Saturday, June 12 for lap swimming and drop-in recreational swims, including Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming days throughout the summer, from June 19 to Sept. 6.
LaSalle Splash Park will open later in June.
For all outdoor pools, registration is required 25-hours in advance at burlington.ca/dropinandplay, and all participants must fill out the pre-screening form one-hour before their pool time at burlington.ca/screening.
Rec-Summer Swim Passes and 30-day lap swim passes can also be purchased at liveandplayburlington.ca
For more information on pools, visit burlington.ca/swimming.
Outdoor Adult Drop-in Programs
Outdoor adult drop-in programs for wellness and fitness will start June 28. Pre-registration is required at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents with questions or concerns can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.
This is the province’s three-step plan to safely lift public health measures based on provincewide vaccination and infection rates.
As the provincewide vaccination rate and key public health and health care indicators improve, and City staff receives and reviews updated orders from the Province of Ontario and more details under its Roadmap to Reopen, we will continue to comply and keep you up-to-date on available City services and what can open while keeping City of Burlington staff and residents safe.
 By Ray Rivers
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
“A global crisis has shocked the world. It is causing a tragic number of deaths, making people afraid to leave home, and leading to economic hardship not seen in many generations. Its effects are rippling across the world. ”
Obviously, I am talking about COVID-19. But in just a few decades, the same description will fit another global crisis: climate change. As awful as this pandemic is, climate change could be worse.” (Bill Gates – Aug 2020)
 Pipelines move natural gas. So, why would any government anywhere want to expand the carbon footprint of its residents? But that is exactly what the press conference this morning by Premier Ford and his ministers was all about, They are moving onto the second phase of their gas pipeline expansion plan to some 43 communities in northern and rural Ontario.
In total some 28 pipeline projects including well over a hundred kilometers of pipeline will be buried in order that Alberta based Enbridge and EPCOR can supply currently low cost natural gas even further into homes and businesses in the province.
The Ontario government is spending $234 million so the Alberta gas companies can sell more of their product in Ontario. And customers will pay back a dollar a month for being connected to the new gas supply system.
But even over ten years that would take almost 2 million new gas customers to pay off the subsidy to the gas companies. And that is unlikely since Enbridge, which is Canada’s largest gas distribution company, has barely four million existing customers in the province.
And what about the carbon tax? Currently set at $40 per tonne or 7.83 cents per cubic metre, it is set to more than quadruple by 2030. The entire premise underlying this government’s push to have Ontario residents use more natural gas is that it will help reduce their costs of living and for their businesses.
 Natural gas is the major source for heating homes. Solar has a lot of growing to do. But it seems Mr. Ford, having lost in the courts, has just decided to ignore that we really do have an ever increasing carbon tax in this country, and will, even if the federal government changes hands.
New gas furnaces last 15-20 years. We can only imagine where the carbon tax will be in twenty years and what that will do to the economics of having locked ourselves even more into natural gas. Investments in new capital infrastructure, like a new gas heating appliance, should include a risk analysis of the future operational costs as well as the gas price today.
Electricity is an alternative. Wind and solar are already the least costly ways of generating electricity today and they are becoming even less expensive. And advances in energy storage will make them more reliable into the future. Already, battery technology is bringing that to reality in places like Australia.
The press conference seemed well attended and there were a number of media questions, but nobody mentioned the carbon tax and its impact going forward. In fact nobody mentioned climate change and our carbon footprint and what this would mean for all of us and for those yet to come.
 BFF: Best friends forever. Doug Ford with Jason Kennedy. This may have been partly about Mr. Ford helping out his fellow premier in Alberta by marketing his gas here. And Mr. Ford may have genuinely been trying to help more Ontario residents lower their heating costs. There was also talk of 5000 jobs, but we know any kind of energy project results in jobs. In fact US President Biden has made jobs the centre piece of his natural gas phase out plan. Yet while the US is phasing out, Ontario is embracing gas.
And that is the other problem with this provincial program. Natural gas was the wonder fuel of the sixties and seventies, when Mr. Ford was still a baby. Today burning natural gas is one the biggest problems facing humanity. And if Mr. Ford doesn’t get that he’s really out of touch with reality.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Bill Gates –
Phase 2 Gas Expansion –
Australia Energy Storage
By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The increase in the traffic in Spender Smith Park brought an issue to a head at the Standing Committee on Tuesday.
 Mayor did not take kindly to Kearns comments. Tempers flared just a little bit and the Mayor chose to ask to speak on a Point of Personal Privilege after Councilor Kearns made a comment about the Mayor needing to get out on the street and see for herself that people were not wearing face masks.
Kearns got kind of feisty with her remarks. She can at times be rather sharp with her words.
The item being debated was Options to increase physical distancing on Brant Street in response to Covid-19.
Recommendation:
Direct the Director of Transportation to proceed with one of the options the Transportation department had set out in their report.
A report which they put together on very short notice that called for them to work with the Burlington Downtown Business Improvement (BDBA) and the Ward 2 Councillor on soliciting input from downtown businesses on the approved option.
Earlier in the year, May 8, City Council Directed the Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility and the Director of Transportation Services to explore options to increase the ability for physical distancing and safe passage in response to COVID-19 for the area of Brant Street (Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road) for Saturdays and Sundays, from July 3 – September 5, 2021; to come back a report and recommendation to the June 8, 2021 Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee meeting. (SD-10-21)
The current conditions on Brant Street from Lakeshore Road to Caroline Street includes a lane configuration consisting of one travel lane in each direction with curbside parking predominantly on both sides of the road. Truck loading and 20-minute curbside drop-off zones also exist within the curbside parking lane. During normal conditions, there is no charge for parking after 6 pm and on weekends.
A review of recent traffic studies available on Brant Street north of Caroline Street has revealed traffic volumes on Saturday and Sunday are approximately 1,000 vehicles per hour (both directions).
As part of the 2021 Temporary Patio Program, there are 4 establishments with applications pending approval to use portions of the public right-of-way along Brant Street.
Options Considered
The identification of options to provide physical distancing along Brant Street took into consideration the current lane configuration, the extent and type of traffic control devices required to maintain safety and potential impacts to residents, business and others utilizing the roadway. The focus in determining options was to seek additional space for people to comply with physical distancing guidelines while walking or waiting.
The options identified include the following:
Option 1 – Close the parking lanes to extend the sidewalk
This option involves closing the curbside parking where it exists on both sides of Brant Street. This space will become a pedestrian area and an extension to the sidewalk, as illustrated in Figure 1.
With this configuration, the pedestrian area is proposed to be separated from the traffic lanes by using freestanding movable delineators. These devices are weighted but portable and provide separation for the pedestrian area while capable of being placed and removed each Saturday and Sunday until September.
The existing curbside pick-up will require relocation and/or removal should this option be endorsed by Council.
 *Image courtesy of NACTO Streets for Pandemic Response & Recovery
Option 2 – Full closure of Brant Street from Lakeshore Road to Caroline Street
This option involves a full road closure on Saturdays and Sundays and provides the maximum available space for physical distancing.
 Parts of Brant Street have been closed in the past. The Hospital Bed Race takes over the street for close to half a day when it takes place. The traffic control required for this option involves the placement of barricades and road closed signs on Brant Street located at both Lakeshore Road and Caroline Street and at all intersecting roadways within this closed section. As a result, traffic on Lakeshore Road cannot turn onto Brant Street and traffic heading southbound on Brant Street towards Caroline Street will need to be directed east or west. In addition, the 6 streets intersecting with Brant Street would need to be signed, barricaded and closed to local access only.
While the full closure option provides the maximum space available for physical distancing on Brant Street, it has the following impacts:
• Displacement of non-local or through traffic onto adjacent streets.
• The current 20-minute curbside drop off areas would be inaccessible resulting in impacts to area businesses.
• The current loading zones will be inaccessible for trucks to load and unload if/when providing deliveries to local businesses on weekends.
• Restricts access to driveways, laneways and parking lots along Brant St.
• Impacts transit routes and requires buses to be re-routed around closed sections of road, in turn affecting bus schedules and potential customer confusion as transit re-routing would be limited to weekends only.
A variation of this option could include modifying the limits of the closure. For example, a possible change could include a full closure of Brant Street from Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street. While many of the issues related to a full closure still exist, they are lessened as a result of a shorter section of Brant Street being closed.
A number of municipalities have made the decision to close a street that was once a major thoroughfare. The response from the commercial/retail sector was seldom positive but when the change did take place business for most retail operations improved and different kinds of commercial moved in.
Closing Brant Street permanently from Caroline to Lakeshore was a long term dream of former Councillor John Taylor – perhaps the time for that idea has come
Option 3 – Status Quo/enhanced pedestrian delineation
Under existing conditions, pedestrian circulation can be, at times, challenging at key intersections and/or higher volume business entrances along Brant Street. In 2020, staff worked with the BDBA in developing and installing enhanced pedestrian queuing delineation and signage which helped to guide the public around locations that were identified as pinch points. This delineation will be re-installed and refreshed again for 2021.
Financial Matters:
The key costs to providing either option includes the traffic control materials to support the closures and the staff resources to set up and remove every Saturday and Sunday. Costs for each option have been estimated and summarized below.
 The associated costs will be identified as Covid19 related with the potential for these costs to be offset by Covid relief grant funds. Engagement Engagement Matters:
This report attempts to provide Council with options however due to the short turnaround to provide Council with a follow up report, staff have not engaged the community to date. Support from the Burlington Downtown Business Association (DBDA) and Downtown businesses is key for any of the described options to be successful. Following endorsement of a preferred option by Council, it is anticipated the Ward Councillor will lead the engagement of businesses and the BDBA with staff assistance as required.
 There are retailers that get it – and they are the ones that succeed. The shopping bag that lady is carrying isn’t empty. The folks that run Joelle’s understand retail. Council members were all over the map on this issue.
Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith wanted the status quo – do nothing.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was tough on this one. She argued that the city had not done a very good job of patterning Brant Street and that there were a lot of gaps that were more walk-in offices than traditional retail offices.
She said there was a “romanticized view” of just what the street did for the city suggesting some thought there would be “seniors frolicking ” in the street.
 Councillor Kearns spars with the Mayor who used a Point of Personal Privilege to admonish her fellow Council member Kearns said the city had reached a breaking point with congestion in the downtown core and that the congestion would only get worse as the city opened up.
Speaking for the retail community Kearns said they wanted to be able to use some of the street to boost their sales after a very financially hard 18 months.
Kearns then took a swipe at the Mayor suggesting that she get out and walk the streets and see for herself what was happening. remark to which the Mayor took offence and brought it up as a Point of Personal Privilege.
It didn’t strike this reporter as something that was out of order but the Mayor was clearly distressed.
Kearns, who was full of comments, pointed out that when things open up on Friday there will be lineups at the outdoor patios; there will be line ups outside the cannabis shop and crowding on the side walk.
The egress and ingress into those places where people are allowed to go was also problematic.
 Brian Dean, top toff at the Downtown Business Association out advocating for the interests of the downtown merchants. Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan told Kearns and Stolte that he would love to have a chat about the issue but wanted them to take the idea of closing Brant off the table.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte was right beside Kearns, however when the issue came up she asked Council to defer any decision until the July meeting arguing that there were just too many unknowns and that this was not the best time to make a decision.
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman liked the idea and was prepared to go along with Stolte and Kearns to defer for a month.
Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna said that the interests of the business community were really important and that he wanted to hear what they had to say before he went along with any of the options. He also told his council colleagues that they had not done their homework.
Council was told that Brian Dean, top dog at the BDBA, was for the status quo. The idea of doing nothing gave the phrase “taking care of business” a whole new meaning.
 By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council met on Monday and Tuesday spending a lot of time debating population growth and the rate at which the population would rise in the Region.
The province sets a rate of growth and determines where they would like to see that growth take place.
A population allocation is given to each of the Regions that in turn determine what the growth will be in each municipality.
Burlington has no greenfields left to be developed.
Nothing is permitted north of Hwy 407 and Dundas except for small pockets in the settlements of Kilbride, Lowville and the Mt Nemo settlement area.
The growth in Burlington is going to be concentrated around the three GO stations: Burlington, Aldershot and Appleby.
The long term growth is long term – none of this will be taking place in the foreseeable future.
Changes planned today become communities in the next decade. In Burlington that future growth is up in the form of high rise development.
 Councillor Paul Sharman often takes numbers and turns them into something people can understand. The population growth for Burlington in the next three decades calls for 350 twenty storey towers. Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman has a way of grabbing a number and putting it in a context that makes the impact pretty clear.
Director of Planning Heather MacDonald was explaining that the growth number for Burlington between now and 2031 was 21,000 people or jobs. The growth number for 2031 to 2050 was 80,000 people or jobs. “Is that right?” asked Sharman. MacDonald agreed with him – Sharman then went on to put that number into a visual thought.
The two visuals below represent 14 towers that will probably make it through the planning process.
 This development has been in process for years now – it will rise again and become real. What we are looking at then, said Sharman, is 350 twenty storey condominiums between now and 2050; 82 between now and 2031 and 265 between 2031 and 2050.
With numbers like that we are looking at a much different Burlington that the one we have today, which is the point Sharman wanted to make.
 This development, recently named Holland Park is looking at a planned 7 tower project. The unique part of the site is that there is no limit to the height the developer can go.
June 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward issued the following statement on behalf of the citizens of Burlington,
 Last night many of us learned about the devastating and targeted killing of four members of a Muslim family in nearby London, Ontario on Sunday night.
They were out for a simple evening walk together and were targeted for this hate-filled and violent attack specifically because of their faith. Salman Afzaal, 46, his 44-year-old wife Madiha Salman, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Afzaal and Afzaal’s 74-year-old mother were intentionally hit and killed by the driver of a truck. Their nine-year-old son, Fayez Afzaal suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
I am heartbroken and angry at this news, as I know we all are. I have reached out to share my concern and condolences with leaders in our local Muslim community, and reiterate that we welcome and embrace people of all faiths and backgrounds in our city.
A few years ago, I had the honour or visiting the mosque and praying together. If was a beautiful and moving experience, and I’m so grateful for the warm welcome and sincere kindness I received. I know our Muslim community is shaken by this unspeakable act, and they are grieving together; they are also strong and resilient.
As I heard from one member of the Muslim community today: “we can’t allow fear to stop our lives, and our faith commands us to love and to continue to strive for social values.” I know that all of Burlington City Council stands with me, and with our Muslim community in Burlington and across Canada, in grieving this unfathomable loss and denouncing the hatred that is behind it. There is no room for hate of any kind in our country.
We are here to support all the members of our community who are affected by this act of violence in any way we can. Let us acknowledge that we, as Canadians, have work to do to ensure this never happens again. Burlington is a place where people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs are welcome.
Last year, Burlington City Council unanimously endorsed the Halton Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter, ensuring that our commitment is clear to our community that we support and encourage safe and welcoming communities that reflect the diversity of all residents.
I am heartened by the outpouring of support from across our nation, including the funds being raised online to support young Fayez, now over $500,000 and still going strong. I know all of Burlington joins me in sending our sincere grief and compassion to Mayor Ed Holder, Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan and all our friends in London as they hold a vigil tonight at the London Muslim Mosque. I have reached out to share my concern and condolences with Mayor Holder, on behalf of all residents of Burlington.
As he referenced in his own statement yesterday, we must all take action to condemn this act against our Muslim friends and neighbours, and join together in solidarity, kindness and love
 By Staff
June 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The police would like some help identifying a suspect in an assault that took place at a Canadian Tire located at 777 Guelph Line in Burlington 0n the morning of Sunday June 6th.
 The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) were contacted after a female employee was grabbed by the arm through a fence by an unknown male suspect.
The victim was able to free herself. She suffered a mild (physical) injury to her arm.
Police have learned this suspect attended the same Canadian Tire location the day prior to the assault (Saturday June 5).
The suspect was observed hanging around the store for several hours. He made multiple attempts to interact with the victim and pointed his phone towards her.
The male is described as white, in his 40s with an unkempt short beard and a noticeable goatee. He has greyish, black hair.
On June 5, the suspect was wearing a navy blue button up shirt with a collar, beige cargo pants, sandals, a camo baseball cap and sunglasses with blue lenses and black frames. The suspect hung around the Garden Centre at this Canadian Tire location between the hours of 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
On June 6, the same suspect was wearing a black athletic type shirt, grey khaki shorts, with the same camo hat and a blue surgical mask hanging from one ear. The assault took place at approximately 9:45 am.
 Anyone with information regarding this investigation or dash cam video of the area identified during these two time frames is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau – Detective Constable David Griffiths at 905 825-4777 ext. 2350 or ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Pepper Parr
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Government has announced that the province will move into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021.
 Does this mean that one minute after midnight – between the end of Thursday and the beginning of Friday that I can be outside with my ten best friends quaffing an ale?
At which of the patios that will be operating will I be able to do this?
We will share that information.
By Staff
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is now official – the city will begin the open up on Friday.
Details:
The Ontario Government has announced that the province will move into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021.
This stage includes, but is not limited to:
• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 10 people
• Non-essential retail permitted at 15 per cent capacity
• Outdoor dining with up to four people per table (with exceptions for larger households)
• Outdoor fitness classes, outdoor groups in personal training and outdoor individual/team sport training to be permitted with up to 10 people
Following 21 days in Step One, the province will evaluate impacts on key public health and health system indicators. At the end of the 21 days, if 70 per cent of adults are vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent of adults with two doses, along with continued improvements in other key public health and health system indicators, the province will continue to Step Two of the Roadmap.
By Staff
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
City Councillors are talking about a possible earlier opening due to the significantly lower new covid19 infections.
June 11th is being heavily hinted as the date that things will open up.
The decision will come from the province.
Note – this is just a hint and a hope.
By Staff
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a very significant change in policy and deserves attention by those who follow what gets done at city hall.
The Municipal Act, which sets out how municipalities operate, states that “a municipality shall adopt and maintain a policy with respect to the circumstances in which the municipality shall provide notice to the public and, if notice is to be provided, the form, manner and times notice shall be given.”
The City’s Public Notice policy was originally enacted on April 7, 2008 as Schedule E to the Procedure By-law 37-2008. It remained part of the Procedure By-law until 2016 when it was inadvertently repealed by Procedure By-law 64-2016. No notice policy was established in its place and this policy is required by legislation.
Strategy/Process
The Public Notice Policy, set out at the end of the staff report, demonstrates that the City of Burlington wants its residents to be aware of when City business occurs. The Policy provides a clear outline on when and how residents will be notified when Municipal Act items are completed.
Establishing a Public Notice Policy, allows the community to know how and when notices will be provided and aligns with the principles of open government. The Policy also provides guidance to public notice authors, which ensures that all notices are uniform, communicates the pertinent points, and are written in plain language.
Corporate Communications – Newspaper and City Website
The Municipal Act has changed over the years giving municipalities more flexibility in terms of when public notice should be given, as well as the form and manner in which notice is provided. Use of the newspaper is no longer prescribed except in limited circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended that the City move to publishing notices to the City’s website, a shift to this new process will reduce advertising costs substantially.
To achieve balance, the Policy indicates that the City may use more comprehensive methods when providing notice, and for a longer period. It also encourages public notice authors to consult with Corporate Communications & Engagement staff to ensure that all appropriate tactics are used (e.g. amplifying through corporate social media accounts, use of corporate digital screens, use of local media) and that the use of other formats, such as video or direct mail are considered when providing notice to the public.
Many municipal comparators have moved towards publication of notices on their website, either exclusively or a hybrid approach with an optional or mandatory newspaper publication.
The new Public Notice Policy will provide greater flexibility to the municipality by allowing notice to be given on the City’s website in accordance with the City’s Corporate Communications Policy and Web Communications Policy.
Website Enhancements
Corporate Communications will be enhancing the City’s site and public access by establishing a Public Notices webpage under the News and Notices menu at https://www.burlington.ca/en/your-city/News-and-Notices.asp, which will feature notices under the Municipal Act, in one centralized location to improve customer service.
Planning and Heritage Act notices will also be posted to this site.
In addition, links to the Region of Halton Notice page, and the Ontario and Canada Gazette will be present to provide residents with a one-stop shop for most government notices.
Options Considered
In order to meet the intent of the Municipal Act and identify subjects or matters where notice is deemed prudent, the Public Notice Policy sets out the minimum and/or recommended notice standards. The Policy provides a listing of items where specific notice requirements for specific sections of the Act and other legislation are required.
When reviewing the City’s former Public Notice provisions, the notice provisions in the Municipal Act and current public notice practices of surrounding municipalities, staff took into consideration the most effective means of providing notice to the public.
In addition, staff undertook to provide for notice timeframes that gave the public sufficient time to make submissions. Nothing in the policy prevents the City from using more comprehensive methods of notice or for providing for a longer notice period. In addition to specifying or providing recommendations for notice, the Public Notice Policy will provide clear direction to determine what department is responsible for providing each notice. This will serve as a tool to help City staff understand the notice requirements and their responsibilities for providing notice.
The Public Notice Policy has been reviewed by the stakeholders involved in providing notice including staff in Finance, Capital Works, Licensing, Clerks and Planning departments. Staff was requested to provide comments and feedback on the policy requirements outlined in the Public Notice Policy. All recommended changes have been considered during the review process of this policy.
Financial Matters:
Depending on the type and frequency of notice, cost is incurred to provide notice. If the requirement under the Municipal Act is for direct mail or newspaper notices, the associated costs for these mediums are unavoidable. As newspaper advertising and direct mailing can be expensive, consideration was given to providing alternative forms of notice where appropriate.
Engagement Matters:
When notice is required, the public will receive such notice in the form, manner and time outlined in the Public Notice Policy. By providing notice, the public is kept informed of Council’s priorities, municipal policy issues and budget matters thus enhancing accountability and transparency.
The new Policy was drafted with communication and engagement methods in mind, respecting market analysis and trends including use of social media. The City website (https://www.burlington.ca) remains as the City’s primary and predominant internet presence however the use of social media is also a key aspect of how the City communicates with its residents to engage, inform and receive feedback. In addition, the use of social media affords the opportunity to deliver time-sensitive information quickly.
Should Council approve the Public Notice Policy, it will be made available on the City’s website under Corporate Policies.
Conclusion:
The City of Burlington is committed to ensuring notice is provided to the public when required by legislation or as otherwise deemed necessary. The Public Notice Policy will provide a standard with respect to the circumstances in which the City shall provide notice to the public and, if notice is to be provided, the form, manner and timeframe notice shall be given.
Supporting the Public Notice Policy is in keeping with Burlington Council’s 2018-2022 V2F of enhancing and emphasizing a customer first approach in all City service areas.
The policy city staff is proposing:
1. Where the City is required to give notice under the Act, the notice shall be given in a form, manner and time as set out in Schedule A unless;
The notice required in the Act or other legislation is greater in scope or time;
Notice for the subject is not provided for in Schedule A and Council, by resolution, or staff determines that notice is desirable, in which case the Director responsible for the subject requiring notice shall provide notice.
2. Time periods set out in this Policy shall be counted by excluding the day of the period on which notice is first given and including the day of the period on which the meeting or other event takes place.
3. Every notice given shall contain the following information, when applicable:
Identification of the authority under which the notice is given;
A description of the purpose of the notice (i.e. date, time and location if applicable) and effect of the proposed action;
A description of how and where comments can be made, including any submission deadlines;
Contact information for the purpose of submitting written comments or obtaining additional information; and,
Where the notice is related to identifiable lands, a key map showing the location of the lands; and
That the Public Notice is given by The Corporation of the City of Burlington, or by the City Clerk on its behalf.
4. Where Direct Mail is required and the matter is related to identifiable lands, notice by Direct Mail shall be to the abutting property owner, unless legislation requires circulation to property owners within a designated radius of the identifiable lands.
5. A Public Notice, utilizing the City’s website, shall be sufficient even if the City website is not accessible at all times during the public notice posting period.
6. Nothing in the policy shall prevent the City from using more comprehensive methods of notice or for providing for a longer notice period.
7. No additional notice will be required for subsequent meetings where a matter has been deferred to a subsequent meeting by Council or by a Committee of Council.
8. Where possible, Public Notices should be written in plain language and provided in an accessible manner. Public Notices shall incorporate the following strategies to enhance participatory opportunities for the public:
• Ability to scan for information: Make use of short sentences and paragraphs, and headers.
• Ease of reading: Use simple sentence structure and grammar.
• Use simple everyday words instead of technical jargon: Use active voice rather than passive voice.
• Target audiences: Anticipate their interests and address potential enquiries.
• Images: Use images especially if it helps readers understand the message.
9. If a matter arises, which in the opinion of the City Manager, in consultation with the Mayor, is considered to be of an urgent or time sensitive nature, or which could affect the security of property or health or well-being of the residents of the City of Burlington, or if a state of emergency is declared, or is so advised by a Provincial Ministry, the notice requirements of this policy may be reduced or waived.
Definitions:
For the purpose of this policy, unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall apply:
Term Definition
Act Means the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c 25 as amended, and any successor legislation in substitution thereof and included regulation thereunder.
City Means The Corporation of the City of Burlington
Council Means the Council of The Corporation of the City of Burlington
Direct Mail Means notice sent via regular mail or registered mail.
Term Definition
Department Head Means an officer or employee of the City who will generally hold the title of ‘Director, appointed by the City Manager or Council, as applicable, to oversee a department, or a person appointed or designated to act in place of the Director when the Director is absent or refuses to act.
Mayor Means the Head of Council of The Corporation of the City of Burlington elected or appointed in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, as amended, or the Deputy Mayor or Acting Mayor as may be appointed or designated by Council from time to time.
Newspaper Means a printed publication having general circulation in the City of Burlington.
Notice Means a written, printed, published, or posted notification or announcement.
Plain Language Means a way of writing, organizing and presenting information so that it makes sense and is easy to read.
Information should be presented with straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing material clearly and logically, to ensure that messaging is clearly understood.
Procedure By-law Means the by-law to provide for the rules of order of Council and its Committees, 2021-31, as amended, and any successor legislation in substitution thereof.
Public Notice or Notice to the Public Means notice given to the public generally but does not include notice given only to specified persons.
Term Definition
Public Notices Page Means the webpage on the City of
Burlington’s website where notices are posted and archived.
Subject Matter Means the issue, measure, requirement, meeting or other matter in respect of which a notice is being given.
Website Means the official internet website of the City of Burlington whose uniform locator is known as www.burlington.ca.
References:
Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, as amended
Planning Act, 1990, c.P.13, as amended
Conducting Engagement and Research Regarding City Projects, Initiatives, and Services Corporate Policy
Corporate Communications Policy
Roadways and Infrastructure – Road Closures – Temporary and Permanent Corporate Policy
Roles:
Accountable:
Council is accountable for approving this Public Notice Policy, and any necessary amendments.
The City Manager is accountable for approving amendments for Council’s consideration and waiving this Public Notice Policy when required in accordance with Objective 9.
The City Clerk is accountable for recommending and preparing any necessary amendments to the Public Notice Policy, collecting concerns or complaints relating to the Public Notice Policy and ensure staff prepare and circulate notices within the designated time.
Responsible:
Directors are responsible for ensuring staff prepare and circulate notices within the designated time.
City Staff are responsible for preparing notices within designated timeframes and coordinating notices to be published (via newspaper, mail, and/or website).
 By Staff
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region put out a heat alert and then extended it for an additional day. When the Region announces a heat wave the municipalities open up locations that are cool.
When temperatures are expected to be at least 31°C and overnight temperatures are above 20°C for 2 days or the humidex is at least 40°C for 2 days a heat alert is issued.
It is that time of year again – this time however there are people who are going to be more hard hit than when circumstances are normal.
 One way news people tell the hot weather story is to ask if it is hot enough to fry an egg on a sidewalk. We aren’t there yet – but it is very uncomfortable for those in locations without conditioned air. The malls in the past have been open – they became a place people could go to to walk around in, a cool location.
Burlington will open Central Arena’s Auditorium located at 519 Drury Lane as a Cooling Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the heat warning.
Community members can use the facility for 1-hour increments and will be screened for COVID-19 when they arrive.
Measures will be in place to ensure physical distancing. Visitors must wear a non-medical face covering in the Cooling Centre. Please stay home if you are ill and always practice physical distancing (2m)
 By Staff
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather was warm and the locals got a little restless.
A Burlington resident wrote saying the last she had heard was that ‘there was still a pandemic and there were some rules on social distancing and being out with crowds of people that were not immediate family.
“Last time I checked there was still a pandemic and provincial rules were still in effect.”
Our reader reports that on Saturday there was “a party in the park with well over 100 attendees.”
 “There was garbage and smashed beer bottles everywhere. Nearby residents had to listen to the pounding of their music well past the 11pm noise bylaw.
“No bylaw officers and no police attended. The park was all cleaned up this morning by city workers and this is what it looks like by 5pm.
“A downtown business owner caught someone defecating in between the buildings.
“We have found discarded Gatorade bottles filled with urine on our property. We are constantly being awoken at all hours of the night by the cars with the modified mufflers racing up Lakeshore.
 The Pier was packed – the breezes would make Covid19 concerns a little easier to live with. “There is never any enforcement by police or bylaw. Downtown is going downhill fast.
“We have sent numerous letters of complaint to the Mayor and Ward 2 Councillor.
“The people who live in this neighborhood are not very impressed.”
The Bylaw enforcement people do not patrol the city – they respond to specific complaints and they investigate.
The police do patrol and they do respond directly to complaints.
 The owners of this hospitality facility were fully aware of what the rules are – why they weren’t observed and enforced is something they will have to explain – to whom? The Mayor invites direct contact but is not always able to respond immediately. The ward 2 Councillor is involved in other interests.
People may hear from these two elected officials during the week we are into.
If this kind of behaviour becomes a pattern there is going to have to be an increase in the police presence.
 Can the demand for public space and a place to be outside be met in Spencer Smith Park?
By Staff
June 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette reported yesterday on the response to the question – where should the next Rainbow crosswalk be located.
There were more than 4000 responses – with 2813 wanting to see it located on Fairview near the Drury Street intersection which is the location of the Catholic District School Board.
One can see some differences of opinion when the matter gets to council on Tuesday. What comes first – the wishes of the supporters of the gay community or the wishes of a school board that decided not to permit the flying of the rainbow flag at Catholic schools.
Delicate.
The responses and the way the numbers broke down are set out below.
Some demographics on the people who responded.
It would have been useful to see some additional demographic data like age and gender. It will be interesting to hear what, if any, interpretation staff provide and what position council members take.
 By Staff
June 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Easily cleaned up if there was someone people could call. No one wants the downtown streets to look like this.
Pictures were taken on the weekend and there is usually someone somewhere who can take a call and have the mess cleaned up.
Someone somewhere at city hall can do what it takes. So just do it.
If the city can spend $10,000 on a rainbow crosswalk – someone somewhere can find someone who is on duty during the weekends to handle situations likes this.
Create a phone number that is easy to remember and promote it on everything that gets published. People will remember the number and use it. Try 905- cleanup (253 2687)
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