 By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
A Gazette reader asked:
“Tell me why I see this all the time. Shouldn’t they be spread out so that those parking at any given time all along the Beachway can easily find one…or is it like when you go to a big box store and you can’t find an employee in the aisle ?”
 Park Ambassadors on duty on the weekend – they are in place to answer questions and help people with parking issues. Fair question. Unfortunately a number of weeks ago a city staff member (we are calling them Park Ambassadors) was accosted and felt their personal safety was at risk.
City Manager Tim Commisso had been adamant that he is not going to see his staff put at risk – the Ambassador’s were to work in pairs. (And yes the picture we got shows three people who appear to be working together). This is the price we pay for those who feel they have a right to abuses civil servants.
 By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
That didn’t take her very long.
 Andrea Grebenc seeking the Liberal nomination for the 2022 provincial election. District School Board Chair Andrea Grebenc announced her intention to seek the Liberal nomination as the candidate for the 2022 provincial election
The Gazette did an interview, published it earlier today.
Then we get an announcement that Grebenc will be holding a Zoom Town Hall Sunday evening 7:00 pm.
Registration:
https://forms.gle/Y1ATWiR9tR2wS5fm9
 Miriam Manaa – also seeking the Liberal nomination. Glad she chose Sunday – watching the Habs take the Leafs in a critical game is my Saturday night priority.
The Gazette has been in touch with the other candidate for the nomination Miriam Manaa and will be interviewing her as soon as possible.
 By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
She won handily in 2014 against three other candidates for a seat as a trustee with the Halton District School Board. She used the first two years to get a feel for the job she eventually became exceptionally good at. Her colleagues thought enough of her ability to make her chair of the Board during her first term.
Listening carefully In her second term she was acclaimed and served as the Chair of the Board every year.
In her first term she made the difficult decision to vote for the closing of two of the seven Burlington high schools one of which was in her ward. It was also the high school from which she graduated.
As the Trustee for 10 elementary schools and two high schools she busied herself with getting to know the schools, the student population and the problems. Grebenc has an open, engaging personality that says how can I help without using the words.
She is a problem solver who grew into an advocate with the strength of character to challenge the province and the way it was handling what Grebenc saw as serious flaws in the way education was being both delivered and funded. School board trustees often seem to be a little timid, more into the fluffier parts of being an elected official. Timid is not a word that gets used to describe Andrea Grebenc.
 Andrea Grebenc on the right at a major public meeting with fellow trustee Jeanne Gray. A life long Burlington resident, the child of parents who immigrated to Canada and chose Burlington as home. Grebenc was once in the Burlington Teen Tour Band and worked as a Sound of Music volunteer – both touch points for young people experiencing the city.
School started at St. Mark’s Catholic elementary school after which she went on to Lester B Pearson high school and then attended Wilfred Laurier University earning an Honours Bachelor Science degree.
The mother of three children she formed her own company offering communications and IT services.
As a trustee she took a year to get the understanding she needed to be effective.
When the province began to consult with the public on increasing class sizes and imposing mandatory e-learning courses Grebenc worked with her fellow trustees and spearheaded, the Halton Education Action team of HDSB Trustees to find out what Halton parents, guardians, and community members thought of these changes. The trustees organized, formed and ran in-person regional focus groups, surveyed the community, analyzed the data, and wrote a comprehensive report that was used as evidence against the changes.
The Halton community consultation proved to be a more robust consultation than that of the Ministry. The Halton submissions, almost 7,000 in-person and surveyed, amounted to more than the Ministry received from the rest of the province combined.
The trustees are currently advocating for evidence-based collaborative decision-making surrounding the issue of permanently expanding online and remote learning.
 Andrea Grebenc: speaks directly and is usually on point. She seldom ducks a question. She is forthright about her opinions on how Provincial decisions and directives affect students and Ontario’s education system.
As a trustee she has made the province her constituency and has focused on improving education through her work as a school board trustee.
The Grebenc profile became one that was recognized beyond the Region.
In July of 2020 it was “Whereas” after “Whereas” in the motion Grebenc put before her trustees. They were followed by the resolution:
“Be it resolved that the Chair ask the Minister of Education for clarification about who the decision maker is for the September school year start up.”
Grebenc had the support of her trustees. In comments made after the motion was tabled Grebenc said that “there are in excess of 36,000 elementary students within the Halton Board – where are those children going to be cared for should they have to distant learn ?”
“What will we get – quickly formed day care centre’s that are not regulated, not inspected with other children coming from who knows where ? The bubbles that most families created to ensure their kids were safe would not be feasible.”
Grebenc had made her mark.
 Andrea Grebenc has a strong working relationship with the Director of Education Stuart Miller. Grebenc tends to be a listener and problem solver; drama and grandstanding are tools she leaves behind.
The capacity to get things done spills over into her community work. One of her most recent projects was forming “Masks for COVID -Burlington”. In April 2020, she recruited and organized 80+ people throughout Burlington into a living, caring and productive mask-making machine. Andrea organized material procurers, cutters, sewers, and distributors, making daily rounds to transport materials and masks to Long Term Care and Retirement Homes early in the pandemic when PPE was scarce.
The original mandate was 2,000 masks, but due to the dedication of the volunteers, 3,000 masks were completed and distributed and the group was able to expand their mandate to include some local food banks.
Andrea currently sits on the Mayor’s COVID task force and provides status updates on behalf of the Halton District School Board.
Grebenc is one of two women seeking the nomination to be the Liberal candidate in the provincial election set for June of 2022. Given the current political climate in the province there are a number of reasons to believe the Premier will call a snap election if his support firms up once inoculation levels reach the 60 or 70% levels and new infection reports are consistently below 1000.
By Staff
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Forestry department will be overseeing the application of the second and final application of a bio-pesticide on Tuesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 2
 Public risk is very very limited. Low-flying helicopters will be used to apply the pesticide over four wooded areas to control gypsy moth (lymantria dispar dispar, LDD) populations.
Gypsy moth caterpillars eat the leaves of trees, causing significant defoliation and potential long-term impact to the City’s urban forest.
The first application was successfully completed on May 25.
The final application of the pesticide will be completed between 5 and 9 a.m. and is expected to take 5-10 minutes for each park.
The areas identified for spraying include:
• City View Park
• Kilbride Park
• LaSalle Park
• Zimmerman Park
City staff will be temporarily preventing vehicles from using roads nearest the spray areas as the helicopter passes. The stoppage will take less than 15 minutes.
An interactive map is available on burlington.ca/gypsymoth that allows residents to enter an address so they can see where the address is in relation to the spray areas.
By Staff
May 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
A statement, jointly released by Lisa Kearns, Councillor for ward 2 and a candidate for the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association and Andrea Grebenc, Chair of the Halton District School Board and also a candidate for the Liberal nomination, said:
Burlington is the best place to live, raise a family, start a business or age in place. Ontario’s general election is just over a year away. It will be an election focused on fighting to strengthen public health care, deliver quality education, grow our economy, and protect our environment for generations to come.
Burlington needs an exceptionally strong candidate to go on the ballot for the June 2022 provincial election. There were two elected officials for the Ontario Liberal nomination: Lisa Kearns, City and Regional Councillor Ward 2 and Andrea Grebenc, Halton District School Board Chair and Trustee for Wards 3 & 6.
 Ward 2 city councilor Lisa Kearns announces decision to withdraw from seeking the Liberal nomination. Lisa Kearns has withdrawn her nomination after due consideration and will seek municipal re-election. She states, “when Ms Grenbenc put forth her interest in running I was happy that there was another candidate that I felt that was a good strong choice for this position, which would allow me to stay in my role as Ward 2 Councillor and continue my passionate work for the ward that I work and live in. There is still so much work to be done here, especially on matters of planning and development. All the recent advancements we have achieved could become undone without the continued watch of a seasoned councillor who is up to date and understands planning matters. I am happy to work alongside Ms Grebenc and give her my support in solidly positioning Burlington for community supported growth, not over-development.”
As a life-long Burlington resident, Ms Grebenc has successfully competed in two municipal elections for Halton District School Board Trustee and runs an IT consultation business. The second-largest area of provincial oversight is education.
By the time the provincial election is called she will have been working directly for that sector – approving budgets, advocating, and setting policy for nearly 8 years.
Burlington is fortunate to have nomination candidates truly focused on serving constituents so we can make a better tomorrow for Burlington residents and the citizens of Ontario.
Andrea Grebenc, Chair of the Halton District School Board chairing a meeting virtually. Grebenc, speaking about Kearns said: “Lisa’s work as a councillor both at the city and regional level is impactful and shows a deep concern for the future of the City of Burlington. The conversations I’ve had with Lisa surrounding municipal issues where she has advocated for critical changes at the provincial level include the Land Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) and policies that prioritize the health & well-being of our families and loved ones.
“These are issues I am happy to carry forward into the candidacy and ultimately to Queens Park as MPP for Burlington.” .
Kearns who didn’t know Grebenc previously said: “Andrea’s proven leadership and tenacity for advancing provincial matters are widely recognized. Her elected and professional roles demonstrate a keen interest in community well-being and navigating complex issues with political acuity. She will be a strong champion for Burlington’s values as we seek greater autonomy at the provincial level.”
By Pepper Parr
May 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Lisa Kearns currently the Councillor for ward 2 Unconfirmed report that Lisa Kearns has withdrawn as a candidate for nomination as the Liberal candidate for the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association.
Appears to have gotten a little skittish.
We will follow up on this later in the day.
 By Pepper Parr
May 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The back and forth debate over sending students back to school for the three weeks in June that are the balance of this school term seems to forge what everyone says they want – the best thing for the students.
 While due to retire in August, current Director of education for the Halton District School Board Stuart Miller could lead a drive to get students vaccinated before September. Students have been jerked around for the past 18 months.
The pandemic that we are now beginning to admit was something we should have been more aware of did throw a monkey wrench into the way we educated students.
Teachers went into shock when they were asked to teach their students by telephone, which is basically what virtual teaching is. There were no programs to help the teachers overcome the problems.
The equipment needed didn’t exist. The Halton District school Board has put more than “2000 pieces of hardware” into the hands of students.
Some teachers had difficulty adapting to teaching virtually.
The public doesn’t yet understand just how big a challenge students faced. The idea of thinking about teaching kindergarten virtually boggles the mind.
Significant damage has been done, much of it unavoidable.
But surely we don’t have to continue damaging these students.
We appear to be on our way out of the pandemic. Vaccinations are taking place and the Ontario government seems too to have learned to communicate with its citizens.
It looks, as well, that the federal government has vaccine supply lines that are holding.
Could we not now commit to having every student and every teacher vaccinated before school classes begin again in September?
There is an organization called CODE – Committee of Directors of Education. These men and women have clout – have them use that clout and work with the local Medical Officers of Health and get the job done.
It’s possible – what it appears to be missing is the will.
Find it – the students deserve to be back in the classrooms and the teachers have to be able to do what they do best.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Pepper Parr
May 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Another one!
Andrea Grebenc, the Chair of the Halton District School announced today that she too will seek the provincial Liberal nomination.
Lisa Kearns, ward 2 city councillor, Miriam Manaa and now Grebenc are in the race
More on Grebenc later this week.
By Pepper Parr
May 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The “other” candidate for the provincial Liberal nomination is now known.
 Mariam Manaa: seeking the Liberal nomination for the Burlington seat in the Provincial legislature. She is Mariam Manaa, running for the Ontario Liberal Party nomination to be the candidate in Burlington for the 2022 election under the leadership of Steven Del Duca.
According to her web site she is a “a long time Burlington resident and an active member of the community. In the past years, I have been working for MP Karina Gould in her constituency office. I have experience in policy advisory and stakeholder relations. I have also worked in Ottawa for MP Pam Damoff as a Parliamentary Intern in 2017. I am an active member of the Liberal Party.
“I currently serve as a board member for the Lions McInnes House for the Blind and Deaf and just completed a term on the board of the Halton Mosque. Community service has always been a priority for me.
“I finished my diploma in Urban Regional Planning and am currently continuing my studies. I am passionate about making our communities more livable.
I want to be a voice for all Burlington residents, especially minorities.
As a young woman, I hope to bring a positive perspective to the Ontario legislature and be a role model to young people on civic engagement.”
We hope to follow up what Mariam tells us about herself on her web site with an interview in the near future.
In the short comment she makes on a You Tube posting she comes across as a well spoken young woman who is focused and tied into the community.
By Staff
May 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With the beginning of a return to normality the Parks and Recreation Department has announced that the summer recreation program online registration opens May 29.
 A focus on building confidence in the water. The City of Burlington’s summer outdoor and virtual recreation programs for adults 19+ and adults 55+ will be open for online registration beginning May 29, 2021 at 9 a.m. Aquatic programs will open for online registration May 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. All programming is subject to provincial and public health restrictions.
Indoor programs for adults and swimming lessons will be offered once indoor recreation facilities are permitted to open in Stage 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening.
For information on the programs, visit burlington.ca/recreation.
Adult 19+ and 55+
Two four-week session will run this summer from June 28 to July 23 and July 26 to Aug. 20. Programs will be one or two-hours in length. Additional workshops, socials and outdoor activities will be offered periodically between June 28 and Aug. 27.
Registration is required and will begin on May 29.
Programs include learning and discussion series, bridge lessons and play, group music lessons and jam sessions, arts, languages, fitness and wellness programs, and workshops and socials include Pickleball equipment demonstrations, lunch and listen socials in the park, and moving meditation workshops.
Swimming
Mini swim lessons will be offered starting June 14 at Mountainside and Nelson Outdoor Pool. Classes will be practicing physical distancing with a focus on drowning prevention and building confidence in the water.
Indoor lessons will be offered at Angela Coughlan, Tansley Woods and Aldershot Pools later this summer, when indoor recreation facilities are permitted open in Stage 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening Plan.
Leadership Programs
In-person aquatic leadership courses will be offered at our outdoor pools beginning June 14 for National Lifeguard recertification, Airway Management and Standard First Aid recertification.
Register for Leadership programs at burlington.ca/swimming.
All programs are subject to change based on the latest Provincial public health measures, advice and restrictions for Burlington as we continue to respond to the pandemic.
Drop-in programs, including fitness, wellness, recreational, swimming, Tim Hortons free swims and lap swims, will be returning in June as well. Visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Bistro Express Curbside Pickup
Order a delicious and nutritious home-style meal. Made fresh then frozen for convenient reheating at home. Open Monday to Friday for call-in ordering and curbside pickup at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St.
Menu options, prices and detailed ordering instructions can be viewed online by visiting, burlington.ca/adult and clicking on “Bistro Express Curbside Pickup” or by calling 905-335-7888, ext. 6346.
TelePALS Call-in Programs
TelePALS is a free, over-the-phone discussion, social and learning program for all adults.
View the TelePALS schedule at burlington.ca/telepals.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreational programs.
 Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. For more information, call 905-335-7600, ext. 8501 to leave a voice mail.
Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture has had to run a department and programs that changed, daily at times. They would pivot only to find that the provincial rules changed and they had to pivot again. Glenn comments: “Our staff have worked hard to prepare a fun, exciting and safe set of summer and aquatic programs for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. View the programs online and register early. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our programs.”
 By Alan Harrington
May 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of people who don’t fully understand what the holiday we are celebrating this weekend is all about. Alan Harrington tells you why it matters
Victoria Day is the time when we remember the birthday of a Queen who ruled the most powerful country in the world about 200 years ago. Is there anything in town that relates to her?
There is actually: an old green fountain at the City Hall on the corner of Brant and Ontario Streets honours her son, who went on to succeed her as King Edward VII.
Edward VII became King when his mother Queen Victoria died in 1901, and King Edward VII ruled from 1901 to 1910.
 The fountain was manufactured in Hamilton and originally had a horse trough. And the glass ball on top was larger than the one today. The fountain, likely the oldest piece of public art in the city is highlighted in the Burlington Historical Society digital collection and is an important stop on the annual Downtown Heritage Walks conducted during Burlington Heritage Month in February.
The King Edward VII fountain was dedicated 108 years ago, on 2 May 1912 by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Sir John Gibson.
 In the left background is the south elevation of the Trader’s Bank, Brant Street. The carriage on the left conveyed his honour Lieut.-Governor Sir John Gibson, who unveiled the fountain, and Reeve M. C. Smith. The Sons of England float, on the right, carried, clockwise from the centre front: John Bull (represented by Sam Oakes); British soldier (Alf Matthews); Canadian soldier (Charles Rump); Britannia (Jennie Dearing); Miss Canada (Ida Ladle); and Sons of England representative (W. Metcalfe). The parade and dedication ceremony drew people from far and wide.
Those parades were major events in those days.
The fountain was originally located at the foot of Brant Street and Water Street (now Lakeshore) next to what today is the Lakeshore Coffee House.
The Hamilton Spectator reported 4,000 people witnessing the unveiling on the 2nd anniversary of Edward VII’s death.
 The fountain was tucked in between what was then a Royal Bank and the Roxy movie Theatre where there were often long line ups to watch a movie. The fountain was later moved to Spencer Smith park.
The fountain, manufactured in Hamilton, originally had a water trough for horses. The glass ball on top was larger than the one today.
 The fountain after its first restoration with the water troughs in place. The fountain spent a considerable amount of time in storage until it was restored by the Optimist Club of Burlington and relocated to City Hall for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977
Time once again eroded the features of the fountain. After some encouragement from local concerned citizens, the city agreed the fountain needed work.
 And so, it has been carefully removed and taken to the repair shop.
The four Lion Heads at each corner (for the corners of the earth) match the four lion heads under the City Hall clock. Great Britain was once the most powerful country on earth – it stretched to the four corners of the earth.
As for the man the fountain was created to honour: Edward (Prince Albert) known as Bertie, was in the Golden Horseshoe in 1860 when he visited Toronto and Niagara Falls. He never did get to Burlington.
 Taken away to be restored. The fountain may be small but it stands its ground. It is the oldest public object still on display in the City of Burlington and has been there as our small town has grown to a great city.
But time and weather are hard on such treasures.
By Pepper Parr
May 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
So – it isn’t going to be a slam dunk.
 First term ward 2 Councillor Kearns has announced that she will seek the Liberal nomination for the next provincial election. Reliable sources said today that Lisa Kearns would be seeking the nomination for the Burlington Provincial Liberal party when the nomination event is held and that a date has not yet been set.
The source added that “there is another candidate for this position”.
The source was not authorized to speak on behalf of the Provincial Liberal Association.
Kearns has been quite active in talking about her personal political plans – she has a virtual ward meeting later in the month – perhaps we will learn even more that that event.
 Andrew Drummond, NDP candidate in the last provincial election, in conversation with Jane McKenna who won that election. Andrew Drummond will be the candidate for the New Democrats. Jane McKenna is the Progressive Conservative sitting member.
Premier Doug Ford has been hammered heavily for the way his government has handled the pandemic and managed the response. Many prefer to use the word “mismanaged” when referring to the provincial vaccination program.
Early reports from Kearns-based sources had her being asked to run for the provincial seat rather than Mayor Meed Ward who was thought to have leadership aspirations at the provincial level.
In the event that Kearns is nominated and wins the election that would block a political growth path for Meed Ward.
Kearns is also reported to have chosen a colleague to groom for the ward 2 council seat.
 By Staff
May 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There isn’t an elected official at city hall who hasn’t had to deal with parking issues. That situation isn’t about to change this weekend when the city makes it mandatory to pay for parking in the Beachway.
 Earlier in the year, before paid parking was required, people would park right in front of the No parking sign. The city needed a way to get some control over parking in the Beachway. People were leaving their vehicles wherever they could find a space: chaos reigned.
 Effective now you have to pay to park in the Beachway – and finding a space is not guaranteed. When you do find a space you follow the signs.
There are two ways to pay.
Use the Honk app or use you cell phone camera and take a picture of the QR code and you will be on your way.
The city will have Park Ambassadors roaming around the parking lot – they are there to help. Be polite to them.
There will be free parking passes for Halton Region residents on the weekends.
Exemptions are not required on holidays as parking is free on holidays. Visitors must have a valid parking exemption or pay for parking on Saturdays and Sundays only from May 22 to Sept. 25
When Halton Region residents arrive at Beachway parking lot, they can find a City of Burlington ambassador to receive a paper permit and display it on their dashboard. The online form will be available in July. The exemption form link will be added to www.burlington.ca/paypark when it is available.
It is going to be messy – Burlingtonians have not had to share their beach all that much. The pandemic brought thousands to the waterfront – the space has to be shared.
Parking is free after 6 p.m. and on weekends and holidays in all downtown municipal parking lots, including the Locust Street Garage.
You can park free on the street.
There is parking space at the hospital parking structure. Parking in the city is free on the weekends and you can catch a bus at the John Street terminal and use Burlington Transit’s Routes 4, 10 and HSR’s Route 11 to get to the east end of Beachway Park.
Parking is free after 6 p.m. and on weekends and holidays in all downtown municipal parking lots, including the Locust Street Garage.
 By Staff
May 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Province has announced that outdoor recreational amenities can reopen as long as COVID measures are in place, beginning Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m.
Now the city has to figure out which Parks and Recreation department programs can be made operational – again. This is perhaps the fourth pivot that department has had to make.
 You can kick the soccer ball around but can’t actually play a game – yet. The things you will be able to do starting today include, but are not limited to, golf courses and driving ranges, soccer and other sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and skate parks.
Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the province wide emergency brake remain in effect.
Changes to City services and programs: Recreation Services, Parks, Amenities and Facilities
Outdoor Courts
Outdoor courts such as pickleball, basketball and tennis courts will be open Saturday, May 22. If there are people waiting to use the court, please keep your time to a maximum of 30-minutes. Masks are to be worn while waiting for your turn. For locations of outdoor courts, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Sport Fields
Grass sport fields will open for casual use such as throwing a ball, self-directed yoga, kicking a ball or flying a kite. Organized sports and recreational classes are not permitted. Groups of up to five people are allowed. Please make sure you stay 6 feet from anyone not in your household.
 The skate boarders will be out in droves this weekend. Skate Parks
Skate parks will be open on Saturday, May 22. Please make sure you stay 6 feet from anyone not in your household. Wearing a mask is highly recommended.
City Park Washrooms
Most City park washrooms will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
LaSalle Community Park Marina
In partnership with the LaSalle Community Park Marina Association, the public boat launch is not ready to open yet and will remain closed until further notice. It will reopen once boats have been cleared from the lower parking lot.
 Open – but try getting a T time Tyandaga Golf Course
Tyandaga Golf Course will open for play on Saturday, May 22 at 7 a.m. Book online at tyandagagolf.com or call 905-336-0006 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. starting today.
For a list of the Pickle Ball court locations CLICK HERE
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.
As the province wide 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, the Parks people will continue to comply and keep you informed on available City services and what can open while keeping City of Burlington staff and residents safe.
 The Mayor wants to see everyone out and about – but following the guidelines. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward adds: “This is welcome news and something my fellow Mayors from all across Ontario have been advocating for throughout this present lockdown. We know healthcare and science experts have repeatedly stated that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in these activities is low, and the mental and physical benefits are high.
“With warmer weather upon us, I know Burlington residents will be thrilled with this announcement. I encourage our amazing community to enjoy these activities safely, as intended, with thoughtfulness and care so that we do not risk undoing the great progress we have made in the past month in both reducing new cases and steadily increasing vaccinations. Please avoid crowding over five people at a time, and be patient to wait your turn when other groups are using amenities. When using outdoor amenities, please also be courteous and thoughtful to those who are waiting so everyone can have a turn.”
 By Ray Rivers
May 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Doug Ford is right about one thing. Ontario residents will only stop getting sick and dying after we’ve all had our shots. That is because he has been unable and/or unwilling to control the transmission of the virus.
It’s been over a month since he applied his famous emergency brake. And despite the so-called shut down we’re still hitting a couple thousand cases and a couple dozen deaths a day. Yet the reason why it’s taking so long is obvious.
 Ontario had elected a populist – when the pandemic hit he was expected to lead – many were disappointed. He shut down the wrong part of Ontario’s economy. Almost 70 percent of COVID transmission in hot spot Toronto, for example, has been taking place in the workplace among factory and warehouse workers and the construction trades.
Had Ford made these folks stay at home we might have seen real and rapid reductions in the numbers. Killing the provincial sick pay plan just made it worse. According to a Peel region study 25% of the industrial workforce had been showing up at work with COVID symptoms.
Ford promised to be brutal at his disastrous April media conference, and he was. But he brutalized the wrong folks. Shutting down outdoor recreational activities, including golf and tennis, which had never reported a case of COVID, was just mean… and stupid.
 Leading the province through a pandemic proved to be more than the Premier and his Cabinet could handle. But if Ford really wanted to bring the numbers down he should have focused on the sectors where transmission is high. Instead, it was all a smokescreen. He declared residential construction an essential service. How could building a new subdivision in a time of COVID be considered essential?
Mr. Ford’s legislative record makes it clear that he has used the pandemic as a cover to fast track development in the province. His government passed a number of COVID recovery laws last year. And they were more about development than anything else. He has enacted his autocratic Minster’s Zoning Orders, ignoring and bypassing local councils and their voters’ wishes on development.
Ford has unearthed a plan to build a new 400 series highway (413) on property held by a group of developers, who collectively have contributed close to a million dollars to Ford’s party since 2014. They own 39 properties along the proposed route covering 3,300 acres, which is worth about half a billion dollars in today’s market. But their windfall profit is expected to inflate wildly from adjacent sprawl development once the highway is approved.
 Scientists were providing solid data – the Premier seemed to use what worked for his agenda. He has stripped conservation authorities of their role in the approval of new developments that can affect them and all of us. In protest, former Toronto Mayor and Mulroney cabinet minister David Crombie, has resigned as chair of the Greenbelt. And in an insult to everyone who cares about the environment, Ford replaced him with former Harris environment minister Norm Sterling, of Walkerton crisis fame, who actually voted against establishing the Greenbelt.
The speed with which this government is undoing decades of environmental protection in the province is stunning. One has to ask whether Ford is packing in as much development as he can before the next election. And that, apparently, takes priority over controlling COVID.
 It was always about business – the closer they could get to the Premier the better it was for the development community. And they certainly did manage to get very close. But as the numbers surged this past March, and infected people overwhelmed Ontario’s hospitals, Ford needed to appear to be doing something – to be taking charge. So he scapegoated the federal government and played the rest of us.
His stay at home order was brutal and tough, especially on children and their parents. But it has had little effect on COVID transmission. The numbers are falling because we are getting vaccinated. The stay at home order was mainly just for show.
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
Background links:
Friends with Benefits – Sick Pay – Under Cover –
Emergency Order – Construction COVID – Small Gatherings –
MZO – Crombie Resigns –
By Staff
May 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday, May 25, the City of Burlington will be using a low-flying helicopter to apply a bio-pesticide over four wooded areas to control gypsy moth populations. The gypsy moths eat the leaves of trees, causing significant defoliation and potential long-term impact to the City’s urban forest.
 This moth will eat your tree bare Application of the pesticide will be completed between 5 and 7:30 a.m. and is expected to take 5-10 minutes for each park.
The areas identified for spraying include:
- City View Park
- Kilbride Park
- LaSalle Park
- Zimmerman Park
City staff will be stopping traffic on roads nearest the park while the helicopter is spraying. The road closure will take 15 minutes or less.
 The aerial spraying is being done as safely as possible. An interactive map is available on burlington.ca/gypsymoth that allows residents to enter an address so they can see where the address is in relation to the spray areas.
The second spray date will be posted on the City’s Twitter and Facebook accounts @CityBurlington and online at burlington.ca/gypsymoth at least 48-hours before the spraying.
 Steve Robinson Forestry Manager Steve Robinson, Manager of Urban Forestry explains: “The weather forecast shows good conditions for the aerial spraying and the gypsy moth larva are at the right stage in their development for the treatment to have maximum impact on them. A successful reduction in their number will help protect the health of our trees and the environment which is a win for everyone.”
 By Staff
May 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday, the Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, the Honourable Anita Anand, Member of Parliament for Oakville, Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, and Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton were joined by community advocates and local service providers to discuss support for people living with disabilities in Halton.
 The objective is to ensure that people with mobility limitations are able to take part in all community activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the long-standing barriers Canadians with disabilities have faced for decades. Since the start of the pandemic, many have faced higher costs in accessing food, medication, social services or health care.
As Members of Parliament in Halton, we remain committed to advancing policies that build inclusivity from the beginning and will continue to work to reflect the principle of ‘Nothing About Us, Without Us’ when it comes to creating a society that is inclusive by design and promotes belonging for everyone.
Important stakeholders including Community Living Burlington and Community Living Oakville, Charter Ability, the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee, Stroke Recovery, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics, and Goodwill Amity came together to share their thoughts on how we can continue to push for more inclusive spaces in our communities.
One of the overwhelming pieces of feedback was that we as a society need to engage in an attitudinal change. Inclusiveness for those living with a disability should be built into planning and policy procedures from the very beginning to ensure that all of us are included.
Our community spaces need to be inclusive and accessible. While we have made progress in this space, there is more work to be done to ensure that everyone can access and utilize spaces that many of us take for granted, such as public washroom facilities.
We also need to work harder to ensure that housing is not only affordable but accessible and that job opportunities are available and accommodating to all interested applicants.
We will also continue to work to foster inclusion and belonging in the workforce for people living with disabilities, recognizing the unique skills and talents they bring to employment.
In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada has made significant proposals to support people living with disabilities and ensure our communities are more accessible, including:
• Undertaking consultations to reform the eligibility process for federal disability programs and benefits. This work would feed directly into the design of a new disability benefit;
• Triple funding for the Enabling Accessibility Fund and support small and mid-sized projects with not-for-profit organizations, women’s shelters, child care centres, small municipalities, Indigenous organizations, territorial governments, small businesses, and businesses of all sizes;
• Improving access to the Disability Tax Credit;
• Extending disability supports under the Canada Student Loans Program;
• Providing $29.2 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to ESDC through the Enabling Accessibility Fund to support child care centres as they improve their physical accessibility;
• Support the creation of a National Autism Strategy and;
• Renewing Funding for the Office of Public Service Accessibility.
By Eric Vandewall
May 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Over the past few weeks, I have been sharing these regular updates with our community to keep you informed of what is happening at Joseph Brant Hospital and to seek your help to move out of this third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for following public health measures. Thank you for getting vaccinated. Thank you for continuing to show your support for our hardworking staff and physicians in your emails, phone calls, Join the J lawn signs, available at www.jointhej.ca, and social media posts. With your help, we are moving in a more positive direction.
We are starting to see the pressure on critical care bed capacity easing. Today the number of COVID-19 patients receiving critical care is 718: 494 of these patients are on a ventilator. Today, JBH is at 82% capacity. We are currently caring for 13 patients with confirmed COVID-19 as well as presumed and resolved cases – 11 of the confirmed COVID-19 patients are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Yesterday it was announced that hospitals across the province can gradually resume surgeries and procedures as able, based on capacity and resources. Our teams are planning the resumption of scheduled care, ensuring the safety of our patients, staff, and physicians. If you were impacted by a deferral, your surgeon or physician will contact you with more information as soon as available.
While we are seeing a decrease in acute care cases, as well as daily new COVID-19 case numbers, it is important to put this information into perspective. The daily case numbers we are seeing now are equal to the number reported during the peak of the second wave. Ontario’s hospital occupancy rate is still very high and it will take time for this rate to decrease to acceptable levels.
The reality is we are still very much in this third wave. By following public health measures, the risk of transmission decreases, and so does the number of severely ill COVID-19 patients in our hospitals.
Vaccination is also a key ally in our fight to stop the spread of the virus. As of today, more than 260,000 Halton residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine offered through regional clinics, pharmacies and family physicians. I am proud to report that since March 12, the Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Joseph Brant Hospital has administered over 22,000 doses. We have also started to increase the number of available appointments per day. In less than a week, we expect to reach 25,000 doses.
There is more good news – anyone age 18 and up is can now make an appointment to get vaccinated. This is a very positive development that will also help us out of this third wave safely and stronger than before. I encourage everyone who is eligible to make an appointment: either online at www.halton.ca/covidvaccine or call 311 if you need assistance.
Some of you may have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated. Please talk to your doctor or go to credible sources like Halton Region, the Ontario government and Health Canada for more information. During the recent Immunization Awareness Week, our own Dr. Dale Kalina answered a series of questions from our community related to vaccine. I invite you to watch these short video clips on our Instagram page.
Please continue to look after each other. Stay safe and thank you once again for your unwavering support of our hospital.
 Eric Vandewall: President and CEO Joseph Brant Hospital Eric Vandewall is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Joseph Brant Hospital. He was appointed in 2009 and took on the task of adding additional space and a completely new wing to the hospital.
By Staff
May 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government has released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the province wide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators. In response to recent improvements to these indicators, Ontario will allow more outdoor recreational amenities to reopen, with restrictions in place, effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
 Doug Ford: He is a happier man today. Thinks the Leafs are going to win tonight. “As a result of the strict public health measures we introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19 variants, we are seeing a steady improvement in our situation as ICU and hospital numbers begin to stabilize,” said Premier Doug Ford. “While we must remain conscious of the continued threat the virus poses, with millions of Ontarians having received at least their first dose of vaccine we can now begin the process of a slow and cautious re-opening of the province in full consultation with our public health professionals.”
Roadmap to Reopen outlines three steps to easing public health measures, guided by the following principles:
• Step One – An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower, and permitting retail with restrictions. This includes allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining with up to four people per table and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity.
• Step Two- Further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn. This includes outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, outdoor sports and leagues, personal care services where face coverings can be worn and with capacity limits, as well as indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings at 15 per cent capacity.
• Step Three – Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn. This includes indoor sports and recreational fitness; indoor dining, museums, art galleries and libraries, and casinos and bingo halls, with capacity limits.
The province will remain in each step for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. If, at the end of the 21 days, the following vaccination thresholds have been met, along with positive trends in other key public health and health system indicators, then the province will move to the next step:
• Step 1: 60 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose.
• Step 2: 70 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses.
• Step 3: 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses.
Based on current trends in key health indicators, including the provincial vaccination rate, the government expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14, 2021. The province will confirm closer to the expected start of Step One.
“While we know that now is not yet the moment to reopen, Ontarians deserve to know the path forward on what we will carefully reopen and when, starting with the settings we know are safest,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Brighter days are ahead and we believe this Roadmap represents a path out of the pandemic and will encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated and to continue following public health advice.”
The province-wide emergency brake restrictions remain in effect while the province assesses when it will be moving to Step One of the roadmap with the Stay at Home order expiring on June 2, 2021. During this time, the government will continue to work with stakeholders on reopening plans to ensure full awareness of when and how they can begin to safely reopen.
Due to the continuing success of Ontario’s vaccine rollout and the collective efforts of Ontarians in following public health and workplace safety measures to date, effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. the province will reopen outdoor recreational amenities with restrictions in place, such as the need to maintain physical distancing.
These amenities include, but are not limited to, golf courses and driving ranges, soccer and other sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and skate parks. No outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted. Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the province wide emergency brake will remain in effect.
At this time, publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools in the province will continue to operate under teacher-led remote learning. Data will be assessed on an ongoing basis and medical experts, including the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and other health officials will be consulted to determine if it may be safe to resume in-person learning.
“Due to the stringent efforts of Ontarians following public health and workplace safety measures, we have reached the point where we can begin preparing to exit the province-wide emergency brake and lift the Stay-at-Home order,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We must remain vigilant however, as the fight against COVID-19 is not over and our case counts, ICU capacity and hospitalizations are still concerning. It remains critical that all Ontarians continue to follow all public health and workplace safety measures currently in place to help further reduce transmission and save lives.”
The government will continue to work with the Public Health Measures Table, Public Health Ontario, and other public health and scientific experts to determine public health guidance for Ontarians to follow, including protocols for masking and outdoor/indoor gatherings, after being fully vaccinated.
Quick Facts
• Based on the latest modelling data COVID-19 case, positivity and hospitalization rates are decreasing, and control of the pandemic is improving. Maintaining the current rate of vaccination and public health and workplace safety measures will help to ensure Ontario starts to safely and gradually reopen.
• Ontario has administered first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to over 58.5 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over. Over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ontario since the start of May, and the province remains on track to have administered first doses to 65 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over by the end of May.
• The government has extended the province wide Stay-at-Home Order until June 2, 2021, and has maintained all public health and workplace safety measures under the province wide emergency brake to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants in communities, protect hospital capacity and save lives.
• The Stay-at-Home order currently in effect requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
• If passed by the Legislature, powers under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) will be extended to December 1, 2020 to ensure public health measures currently in place can be extended and adjusted as necessary, to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 and support a gradual re-opening of the province. There are currently 29 orders in effect under the ROA. Orders can be extended for up to 30 days at a time under the ROA, and the government must report on all order extensions to the Select Committee on Emergency Management Oversight.
• As of 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, individuals aged 18 and over in 2021 across Ontario are eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre, or directly through public health units that use their own booking system.
By Staff
May 19th, 221
BURLINGTON, ON
Trustees of the Halton District School Board are pleased to announce the appointment of Curtis Ennis as the new Director of Education, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board, effective August 1, 2021.
 Curtis Ennis, newly appointed Director of Education for the Halton District School Board
Ennis’ career portfolio during the past 22 years has included a variety of senior leadership positions with the Toronto District School Board, Canada’s largest school board, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Education. Ennis began his career as a primary teacher and advanced through various leadership roles as a Superintendent of Education with increasing responsibilities.
He is currently the Associate Director, Equity, Well-Being and School Improvement (Interim).
Ennis has led numerous strategic planning initiatives in the TDSB, as well as gaining leadership experience with the Ministry of Education’s Toronto and Area Regional Office. Ennis holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Accounting/Finance) and a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education (Language, Culture & Teaching) from York University.
Following the retirement announcement of the current Director of Education, Stuart Miller, trustees began a search process in early December 2020. With the help of Joan M. Green and Associates/Lough Barnes Consulting Group (LBCG), an extensive consultation took place. The search involved consultation with stakeholders in the education community including HDSB staff, local unions, trustees, students, community partners and beyond to develop the Halton-specific Director position profile.
“The Trustees of the Halton District School Board (HDSB) were impressed with, and grateful for, the strong show of interest and outstanding qualifications of the candidates who applied for the position of Director of Education,” says HDSB Chair Andréa Grebenc.
“We are excited to welcome Curtis Ennis as the HDSB’s incoming Director. Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge gained through senior leadership roles in the Ontario education sector. He has diverse experiences that will be invaluable in building strong relationships with students, staff, families and community members, as the HDSB continues its journey to fulfilling the goals outlined in the 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, and providing outstanding opportunities for every student.”
Ennis has a proven-track record of strategic planning and leadership with a focus on student achievement and well-being, equity and inclusion, communication and relationship building.
“I am truly honoured and excited to be joining the Halton District School Board as Director of Education, says Ennis. “I am grateful to the Trustees for their confidence in me and I look forward to leading and learning with the students, staff, families and community partners of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville in the years ahead. Leadership for me has always been about service and I am deeply committed to working with all staff and the Board to carry on the Halton tradition of excellence in education while being acutely mindful of those who have been historically under-served and have faced barriers to positive outcomes.
“Working collaboratively with students, staff, trustees and communities, I will be intentional and focused on ensuring the success and well-being of students of all identities in HDSB.”
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