 By Staff
May 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Boat from the Regional Police Marine unit were cruising the waters opposite the Beachway. While Halton Regional Police Chief Tanner may have said his people would not be involved in crowd issues in Burlington there was one of the boats from the Marine fleet patrolling the waters off the Beachway on Thursday.
Those boats do not patrol on a regular basis – someone told them to be out there. Watch for them on the weekend. We might see a much needed shift in police involvement.
The boat didn’t come in very close – but the Officer was on deck with binoculars.
 By Staff
May 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
From May 12 to Nov. 26, 2021, there will be temporary lane closures as hydro pole relocation work is done along Waterdown Road from Craven Avenue to Mountain Brow Road.
 Those telephone polls are going to be re-located. At some point there is gong to be major development further north along Waterdown Road.
 By Pepper Parr
May 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In an earlier version of this article we neglected to mention that ward 1 Councillor Galbraith did take part.
The bigger picture is often the one that gets missed.
 The Planning Hierarchy – each of these policy statements and plans have to be adhered to. The Region reviews each municipal plan to ensure that everything in the hierarchy is met. It is a very complex process. Last night the Regional government took people through a two hour discussion on what population and job growth is going to have to look like in 2051
2051 is a long time out – the future however gets determined to a large degree by decisions we make today.
Burlington certainly learned that lesson when in 2016 a bus terminal got identified first as a transportation hub and then as an MTSA (Major Transportation Service Area) that allowed a developer to put up a 26 storyey building on the corner of Martha and Lakeshore Road. They are digging the hole in the ground now for what will be called the Nautique.
The Regional Planning department, which has to approve anything and everything in terms of the Official Plan for the municipalities of Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills, is doing the required five year review of its Official Plan and figuring out how it will integrate the growth in the Region the province has called for.
The meeting last night was focused on how the Region thinks things should be approached for Burlington.
 Regional Staff and their consultants working from data already collected developed four concepts – each of which would have a different outcome in terms of population growth, where it would take place and new ob potential. The objective is to take the best from each concept and come up with a preferred concept and present that to the public; ideally in June.. More than 80 people took part in the virtual meeting that included eight people from the Regional Planning staff and presented the current growth concepts. There were just two elected representatives from Burlington; Mayor Meed Ward and Councillor Bentivegna. Perhaps those that chose not to take part have decided they won’t run for re-election
Former Mayor Rick Goldring and former Councillor Rick Craven took part. Is Goldring looking at the possibility of a comeback?
The meeting took on the task of getting the views of those taking part using several on-line polls and setting out what might be decided by setting out four possible concepts and explaining the impact each of those concepts would have on how the community evolved.
For Burlington, the over riding concern was development of the land north of the Hwy 407 – Dundas boundary. Urban to the south – rural to the north of that boundary. Burlington’s identity as a city rests on two fundamental and foundations beliefs: never touch the Escarpment lands and keep your development fingers off Spencer Smith Park and the Beachway. They are part of the city’s DNA.
 The planning that will get us to 2031 has for the most part been done. The focus now is what does Burlington want to build between 2031 and 2051 and where do they want to growth to be located.   While much of the planning is a numbers game, there is room for community values and growth aspirations.
The Region is given a number by the province that has to be met. The Region divides up the provincial number between the municipalities.
147,00 people and 69,000 jobs in next 10 years in current approved urban areas
334,000 people and 150,000 jobs between 2031 and 2051 which must be planned for now
How do we make that happen. Later this week the Gazette will be dig into some of the data and the choices Burlington faces. Do your homework or don’t complain when you learn five years from now that your Burlington is going to look a lot different.
 By Staff
May 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The parks were closed by the province; then they were opened when the province realized the closing was a dumb decision.
 This boy just wants to play and that yellow tape is in the way. But not all the parks are open and that is a concern for an Aldershot parent who lives in the Georgian Court community where the park put in place and maintained by the housing company is closed.
 Mayors says: Go ahead and use the park. It wasn’t a public park. Her unit looks right out over the park and her son just does not understand why he can’t be outside playing.
Nor does his Mom who is a stay at home parent and asked not to be personally identified.
She is part of a group of parents who are all stay-at-home mothers and do everything they can to keep their children active and outdoors as much as possible.
In Burlington when you have a problem – you call the Mayor, who explained to our parent that indeed the parks are open.
 Georgian Court Management explains their position – which isn’t the same as that of the Mayor. Problem is they are talking about different kinds of parks. Some miscommunication in there somewhere – the Office of the Mayor didn’t understand that the park that had been closed was not a city park.
Our parent didn’t know who her ward councillor was. We’ve put the two of them together to see if someone can explain to the community when the private community park can be opened.
 By Staff
May 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayors of the four Region of Halton and the Chair of the Region reiterate their call to safely reopen outdoor activities
 As the Province of Ontario considers extending the Stay-at-Home emergency order beyond May 20, today, Halton’s Mayors and Regional Chair are reiterating our call to safely reopen outdoor activities.
Outdoor activities done safely with physical distancing and masking are a necessary support to physical and mental health, especially during this prolonged period of lockdown. Guidance provided by the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table for Ontario, that has also been endorsed by the Ontario Medical Association, encourages safe outdoor activities. •
Keeping people safely connected: Maintaining social connections and outdoor activity are important to our overall physical and mental health. This means allowing small groups of people from different households to meet outside with masking and two-metre distancing.
It means keeping playgrounds open and clearly encouraging safe outdoor activities. As noted by the Science Table: “Policies that discourage safe outdoor activity will not control COVID-19 and will disproportionately harm children and those who do not have access to their own greenspace, especially those living in crowded conditions.”
While the Halton Mayors and Regional Chair continue to discourage large gatherings in any setting, small groups can be at the same amenity at the same time as long as they are following the health guidelines. We also stand with our Halton students who are calling for a safe return to sports when health guidance and evidence suggests it is safe to do so.
The Halton District School Board’s (HDSB) Student Senate recently passed a motion declaring sports essential in students’ lives and created a Safe Sports subcommittee, co-chaired by two Halton students. The committee seeks to work with the Province to develop a plan for the safe return of sports, beginning with low-contact sports such as track and field, tennis, badminton, and swimming.
Given that many sporting activities occur in city facilities, the four Halton municipalities stand ready to partner with the Province, school boards and our local fitness providers in planning for a safe restart of sports.
In light of the evidence and advice from the Science Table, we renew our call to the Province to review and reconsider the list of currently prohibited outdoor activities. We further call on the provincial government to consult with school boards and our youth to design a safe return to sports plan, so that low-contact sports can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Halton Regional Chair, Gary Carr; Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, City of Burlington; Mayor Rob Burton, Town of Oakville; Mayor Gordon Krantz, Town of Milton; Mayor Rick Bonnette, Town of Halton Hills
 By Pepper Parr
May 11, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a comment in the Gazette from a former police officer who served for 30 years – it deserves some comment. The police officer wrote:
“My point is …. pay duty officers are requested and paid for by a private company (ie construction, movie shoots) NOT Halton Region, so the suggestion that the City of Burlington request and pay for pay duty officers (out of our tax dollars) is ridiculous. It’s sad to see how the media has contributed to the rise in tension and hate towards the police, of late. AND yes I am proud of my honourable career as a police officer. I worked for HRPS for 30 years!”
Our purpose is not to identify the officer but to respond to her assertion that the Gazette has contributed to the rise in” tension and hate towards the police”.
 Most of the time the police are where they need to be. The intention is to hold the police accountable and ensure that they be transparent and protect the public that hires them to do just that.
The word hate was introduced by the police officer – not the Burlington Gazette.
Police are often seen on the street, riding bicycles and keeping an eye on things – a basic part of good police work; getting out of the cruiser and seeing what is going on.
In the ten years we have covered Burlington the Gazette has reported on a lot of outstanding police work. There are a lot of smart, dedicated men and women serving the public.
The only thing ridiculous about paying for pay duty police officers is that the taxpayer would be paying twice.
 Police officer told us he was on “bikini patrol” and that he loved his job. Times are tough for many people. Coping with the financial damage being done to the hospitality sector is seriously hurting families and some of that pain gets expressed publicly.
People are fearful, they expect, want, and need support.
Most people recognize that is why we have a police service.
Related news
Backbone
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 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a little on the long side – important because it points to the way the current city council wants to spend.
Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services was explaining to council that the business model being used to operate the Tyandaga golf course wasn’t working and at the current rate of spending the reserve funds would be depleted in a couple of years.
 Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services A different business model was needed.
The Staff Direction the Parks, Recreation, Community and Culture (RCC) department wanted was:
Direct the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture to permanently phase in over 2022 – 2026, a change to the Tyandaga operating model, shifting from the current net zero model to a tax-supported model funded by both user fees and the general tax- base.
If approved this would mean a permanent adjustment to the current operating model and result in the golf course being paid for with a combination of fees and money from the tax payer instead of just fee revenue.
Tyandaga has been described as land developers would love to get their hands on. The 108 acre property could have development potential – however it has a number of streams that would hamper development.
Councillor Sharman told his council colleagues there was a time when some members of council and developers had drawings done up – but it never got past that point
In February Parks staff were tasked to further engage the community regarding both the golf service and public park opportunities. The community spoke clearly of the ongoing desire to maintain an 18 hole golf course, improve basic amenities like cart paths, and enhance the winter park play experience and use of the clubhouse.
 Survey data During the Spring, Summer and Fall, the grounds at Tyandaga are primarily used for a multitude of golf related programs which are open, affordable and accessible to all.
During the Winter months, the grounds are transformed into an active public park where people can enjoy the space for a variety of casual play opportunities including tobogganing and snow shoeing. This entire four-season operation is considered a net zero and expected to be funded solely by revenues earned through golf programs and services.
The common consensus amongst Council members as noted in a February 2020 report were:
We value the greenspace at Tyandaga
We value having a municipal golf course
We value having a destination for the community year-round
We look forward to hearing about additional uses for the Clubhouse
We would welcome hearing about additional uses on the greenspace for the community to enjoy.
Tyandaga has always operated under the current net zero operation; they receive nothing from the public purse. User-fee revenues generated from golf are expected to fully fund both the operating and capital cost requirements year-round, including all winter park opportunities.
Uncontrollable factors such as climate change and extreme weather patterns have also impacted golf revenues in recent years. Revenues earned have only been able to cover basic operational expenses with very limited and selected investment in capital.
Councillor Sharman told his colleagues that: “…we should have known about this all along.”
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nissan said he was on board for the change in the funding model – he did say as well that he has never played the course.
City manager Tim Commisso told council that the location and its problem have been studied for years. There was a time when the pressure from developers was intense.
Mayor Meed Ward made the point that the existence of the golf course is a benefit to everyone – much like the Paletta operation in the east end of the city.
Sharman later added that “we know the cost of everything but not the value.”
Council was clearly prepared to change the business model. Sharman seemed to sum it up: “‘this is the only way to go” Hopefully that argument will stand up when it appears in the budget in 2022.
Some ongoing course maintenance and major capital renewal expenses have been deferred .
The net zero operating model for a municipally owned and operated golf course is quite unique to the City of Burlington. Most, if not all other municipal golf courses in Ontario, have some degree of tax-base support. For example, both the City of Hamilton and the City of Mississauga both operate municipal golf courses and are supported by the tax-base.
There are three primary types of operating models that exists within the RCC department presently. They are shown below with some examples of what types of services/assets are associated with each of them.
 
When comparing Tyandaga to the other net zero locations noted in the chart above, Tyandaga offers recreational activities that the city directly intended for broader community access including youth golf and league play and a multitude of winter park causal play opportunities. Tyandaga is far more aligned with a sport field and public park as opposed to the commercially based net zero operations in the department. The net zero food service locations are commercial tenant-based / for-profit businesses that provide commercial food and beverage services (e.g. banquets, concession, restaurant).
On-the-other-hand, pools, arenas, parks and community centres are all financially supported by the tax-base, with a portion of their costs offset through user fees where appropriate (e.g. rental permits, registration fees and drop-in fees).
The ongoing sustainability of this operation, service and asset, as well as meeting the evolving needs and interests of the community is the basis for why a change to the operating model is necessary.
COVID-19 Impact on 2020 Operations:
Interest in golf has been strong and steady for many years, especially during this past season (2020). With the province wide shut down imposed in late March 2020, the opening of the golf course was delayed by over 6 weeks. When permitted to open, several restrictions were mandated which subsequently limited program offerings. The delayed opening and the limited program opportunities had a significant impact on the course’s ability to generate revenues to its fullest potential.
Through a strategic re-design approach in 2020, dedicated staff, and decent weather, the course saw 28,993 rounds of golf (80% capacity utilization) which then translated into an annual profit of $179,000. Under the current net-zero operating model, $77,411 of the profit was transferred to the vehicle depreciation reserve fund (VDRF) while the balance of $101,705 was transferred to the general Tyandaga reserve fund. Golfers, new and returning flocked to Tyandaga with great interest in participating in one of the first recreational opportunities reopened to the public.
Proposed Operating Model:
Through discussions with senior staff, the proposed new operating model must be guided by a key set of principles. These include:
• Service and Financial Sustainability
• Adherence to Asset Management principles and practices
• Allow for adaptations and adjustment to service levels to meet the needs of the community
• Supported by the Framework for Community Recreation in the City of Burlington (e.g. affordability, play for all ages / abilities, variety, access, etc.) *
• Align with the operating model that is most suited
• Phased in over time to ease the financial burden
• Promote active green space opportunities
*The proposed new operating model was vetted through the methodology of the Framework for Community Recreation for the City of Burlington. This alignment includes the broad use of the land for a variety of recreational activities, with a focus on the fundamentals of play, ensuring access and affordability is at the forefront of the services provided, meaningful engagement with the neighbourhood and stakeholders, and to maximize use of the property, year round.
The proposed operating model for Tyandaga will look to align the program/service and assets/amenities to a typical RCC model; drawing on both user fees and the tax-base to support. This recommendation will position Tyandaga to be equal to a city pool, arena, sports field, community centre or park.
Phased in Approach (2022-2027)
To support this proposed change, staff are recommending this shift occur over a five- year phased in approach (2022-2027). This approach is recommended to slowly ease the financial burden onto the tax-base over time, as opposed to all at once. This new operating model has three distinct advantages:
• Sustainability: Both financial and service levels will have a higher degree of certainty and sustainability into the future.
• Growth / Change: This model will allow for new and exciting opportunities to be considered and introduced both for the golf course and for the park without the sole and limited reliance on the revenue produced by golf.
• Asset Renewal: All asset renewal will be planned for using the same asset management principles and practices throughout the city.
The asset will get renewed at the right time and be embedded within the broader capital budget prioritization process when competing for funding.
The phased in approach will begin in 2022, and span over five years into 2027 (2022- 2027). As shown below, there will be three distinct phases, slowly moving expenses over to the tax-base to support. To note for this year (2021), will operate as previously planned and budgeted for, following all COVID regulatory requirements.
Each phase will capture two years of operation with an assessment completed after each phase. Council will be informed of the progress of this process as part of Tyandaga’s annual update. Each phase will introduce financial requirements into the general tax-base. For example, in phase 1, the Golf Operation (revenues) will support the overall operating budget, as well as all fleet requirements, while general capital requirements will be transferred over to the tax-base to support. As part of the annual budget process each year (operating and capital), changes as noted in each of the three phases will be highlighted.
By 2026, Tyandaga will begin to implement a 5% surcharge on user fees which will then fund the Tyandaga reserve fund. This reserve fund will be used to partially support capital renewal needs at the course. This surcharge approach is used presently at pools, arenas and community centres.
• Fleet is the required equipment needed to maintain the greens. Fleet also includes snow clearing equipment needed to clear the parking lot in the winter months.
• The above model removes the annual ‘Payment in Lieu’ of $25,000 that Tyandaga had traditionally paid the RCC department for management overhead and to simulate property taxes within a net zero operating model.
Programs and Service Delivery during the Phases
Based on feedback heard, staff will look to create new programs and services over the 5 years and look to support some needed capital upkeep and repair.
Climate Implications
Burlington has been experiencing many extreme weather events that have negatively affected the golf industry throughout southern Ontario. The climate crisis directly affects the overall operations, causing later openings and early closures to the golf season which has negatively impacted the overall financial performance.
It has been five years since the City of Burlington received 191 millimeters of rainfall in 8-hours causing significant flooding and damage throughout the City. Since that date, we have consistently received major climate challenges year after year. Flooding, ice storms and draughts to name a few. Most recently, between April 1 and May 13, 2019 Burlington experienced 226 millimeters of rain adversely affecting participation, revenues and expenses at the golf course, a recent trend impacting the golf operation.
The Standing Committee decision:
Direct the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture to permanently phased-in over 2022 – 2026, a change to the Tyandaga operating model, shifting from the current net zero model to a tax-supported model funded by both user fees and the general tax-base, as outlined in recreation, community and culture department report RCC-01-21.
The matter goes to Council where it can be approved on May 18th.
Gazette reader Chris Ariens, posted a comment in the Gazette saying: “Ultimately we’re going to have to scale back on something. As a kid of about 12, the only way I was going to be able to afford to play golf was to get a junior membership at a public course. The pandemic has spiked golf demand as people are looking for any activity which they can do outside safely. Unfortunately the Province has closed golf courses, not because of the danger they pose but because of the bad optics.
“I’d say if we’re going to subsidize recreation, we need to ensure it remains reasonably affordable, especially for young people to be able to learn the game and participate.”
Joe Gaetan adds: “Having lived in Tyandaga for over 20 years, I vividly recall the last time the city or certain councillors decided they needed to look into “what to do” about the golf course. The motive to me at the time and probably still is, was how could the city develop some or all of this land to unlock the financial potential of this lovely piece of green space.
“At that time, the city with involvement of Tyandaga residents, undertook a very in depth and detailed study of the options. Before anybody does anything, they need to resurrect that file and look at all the hard work that was done at the time. There will always be a councillor or two who wants to turn all or parts of Tyandaga into a multi million home development. Pay attention folks.”
In the staff report the Recreation, Community and Culture department noted that the city did use reserve funds to pump $4 million plus into the LaSalle Park Marina.
By Staff
May 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On Wednesday, May 12, Halton Region will open a new COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Gary Allan Learning Centre at 3250 New Street in Burlington.
Lots of parking space
Starting today, eligible residents can book to their vaccination appointments at the new location through Halton’s online booking system.To book an appointment CLICK HERE.
“Based on expected supply, Halton Region is pleased to offer more options for residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We are making great progress on vaccinating our community, but our ability to open appointments to more eligible groups and expand vaccination options remains dependent on ongoing and predictable supplies from both the Provincial and Federal governments.
In addition to our new Burlington clinic, we also have capacity in our current clinics to significantly increase what we are doing now – we are ready to get more people vaccinated as we receive more vaccines from the Federal and Provincial governments.”
Halton Region now has seven COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics across the region, operating seven days a week. In addition to opening the new Burlington location, clinic hours will be extended into the evening at the FirstOntario Arts Centre location in Milton starting May 18. This will provide more options for residents to book their vaccination appointments at a time most convenient for their schedules. Residents are reminded that all appointments must be made through Halton’s online booking system and walk-ins will not be accepted.
“Getting more people vaccinated each and every day will help us get closer to achieving community protection,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “I encourage everyone to book their appointments when it’s their turn. The best vaccine for you is the first one you are offered and the more people we are able to vaccinate each and every day, the closer we can get to returning to normal.”
Halton Region Public Health is reminding all residents to continue to adhere to public health measures, regadless of vaccination status. This includes staying home as much possible, only going out for essential reasons and only gathering indoors or outdoors with their households. When out in public for essential reasons (getting groceries or medicine, attending medical appointments or work) or enjoying outdoor activities, residents are reminded to wear a mask and keep a two-metre distance from anyone outside their households.
By Pepper Parr
May 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
The weather is getting warmer; the desire to get outside and enjoy the weather gets stronger every day.
The wearing of masks is getting better – but it’s not as good as it is going to have to be.
 Dr. Adelstein Brown, head of the Science Table that advises the government, on the left and Dr. David Walker who takes the advice to the Premier. The science that determines, to a large degree, the decisions the province makes about what we will be able to do and what we will not be permitted to do reacts to the data collected.
The numbers are not really all that much better. Poor enough to have the advisers suggesting that the current Stay at Home be extended two more weeks into June.
The Victoria Day holiday will stress the social cohesion we have even more seriously than it is now. The Emergency Control Group (ECG) that currently does the thinking, risk measuring, looking for options and doing their best to determine what they will take to Council.
 Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner during a virtual meeting with city council. The comment from the Chief of Police that he did not see Halton Regional Police Service patrolling those locations where crowds tend to converge was much more than a disappointment.
The Mayor is surely thinking through the options as she meets with the ECG.
Something is going to be needed to deter people. And police can do that.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: Not amused. The Mayor has an option; Hire what is referred to as paid duty police service, and have them patrol the parks and the streets on bicycles. These are sworn police officers who do part time work during their off duty hours.
From the Regional Police web site: “The Paid Duty Program will allow clients to hire off-duty officers on a contract basis to provide a police presence at their events. Officers will not be assigned to any function that requires that they act outside the normal scope of police duties. Terms to be considered when applying for Pay Duty Officers: Events must be within the Region of Halton.”
Then meet with the Police Services Board and let them hear some of her indignation. The Board cannot involve itself in operational matters but they can make their views known directly to the Chief.
 The Regional Police use bicycles on a regular basis as part of the way they do their work. No reason why they can’t be used now. These officers were patrolling Brant Street while a festival was taking place. The seven members of Burlington City Council are also Regional Councillors. There are all kinds of opportunity to bring pressure on the Region to perhaps allocate additional funds to the HRPS if that is what it needed.
Something has to be done – and whatever is decided upon has to be put in place soon so that city staff are assured that they are safe when they are out meeting with the public.
Mayor Meed Ward has never been shy about picking up the phone and calling the Chief. She may have his number on speed dial.
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 Staff
May 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 A gypsy-moth as a caterpillar
As part of its Integrated Pest Management program, the City of Burlington will be using a low-flying helicopter to aerial spray a bio-pesticide over four wooded areas to help 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.
The areas identified for spraying include:
City View Park
Kilbride Park
LaSalle Park
Zimmerman Park.
The spray program will occur over two days, between May 10 and June 10, 2021. The exact dates and time for the aerial spray are dependent on weather conditions, as well as the development of the insect.
Spray dates 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, Manager of Urban Forestry Manager of Urban Forestry explains what this is all about: “We need to take action to reduce the gypsy moth population in order to maintain the health of our valuable urban forest. Currently, populations are expected to be too high for their natural predators to keep them in check. By applying a biological pesticide with a measured approach, we will be able to reduce pest populations to manageable levels. Protecting our urban forests is a priority for the City as it greatly impacts our health, homes and recreation.”
Quick Facts
• The City’s contractor will be applying a Class 11 biopesticide, Foray 48B, REGISTRATION NO. 24977 PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS ACT, with active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis ‘kurstaki’.
• Application of the pesticide with be completed between 5 and 7:30 a.m.
• Bacillus thuringiensis ‘kurstaki’ (Btk) is a soil-borne bacterium that is applied to the leaves of affected trees while caterpillars are in their early stages of development. Once ingested, the bacterium disrupts the caterpillars’ digestive system with cessation of eating within 24-48 hours. Within days, caterpillars that have ingested Btk will succumb to its effects.
 Low level helicopter spraying. • Btk does not have any negative effects to humans, birds or bees. Btk will affect other caterpillar species (known as non-target species). Due to its low residual nature and the narrow spray window due to larval development, the non-target impact is expected to be low.
• Individuals who have concerns should take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure during a spray program in the same way they would avoid pollen or other airborne materials during days when air quality advisories are issued. Residents can also reduce exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors shut during the spray period if spraying is taking place in their area, although this is not required by health officials.
• European Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a non-native invasive pest that was introduced in the late 19th century. It was first discovered in Ontario in the 1960’s and has been a major defoliator of deciduous and coniferous trees across Southern Ontario.
 Gypsy moth once is has matured from a caterpillar • As part of Burlington’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, Forestry staff assess sites annually across the city and conduct egg mass surveys to determine areas that have exceeded an action threshold, whereby natural processes can no longer maintain pest population levels on their own. Although healthy trees can generally withstand defoliation several years in a row, trees which are already in distress from problems such as acute drought, compacted soils, diseases or other pests, may decline and die. Generally, healthy trees which are defoliated in spring, will leaf out again by mid-summer. Gypsy moth populations tend to be cyclical, with peaks every 8-12 years, followed by dramatic population decline of the pest.
• The City of Burlington last conducted a similar program in 2019. Program frequency is determined as part of the city’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
By Pepper Parr
May 10TH, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two of a two part article.
Chief of Police Stephen Tanner met with city council virtually last week – covered the full spectrum of what they do for the municipalities in Halton .
 Chief Tanner in conversation virtually with Council. In 2020 there were 44,675 calls for service to the police; impaired driving charges increased by 100% during part of 2020 when bars and restaurants were closed.
Police officers now have much more in the way of personal devices that help get the job done. He said he expects that in the not too distant future they will be able to finger print a person on the spot and be able to access RCMP and Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) data banks. Chief Tanner certainly liked it.
In the past the police used to transport 300 to 400 individuals who were in custody to court hearings. The advent of virtual hearing via Zoom has basically ended the need for that service.
During the question and answer part of the meeting the Chief mentioned that there was going to be an additional court house operation somewhere on the South Service Road, he paused and wondered aloud if he was supposed to be making those plans public.
The comment that caught people by surprise was word that the police were not going to be involved in the public patrolling of parks and other places where large numbers of people gather.
A comment made at council meeting last week that a city staff member had been involved in an incident that put her personal safety at risk brought the approach the Chief had suggested into question.
If the police cannot be called upon when there are public safety issues who do municipal administrations turn to?
During the council meeting mention was made of the mounted patrol Toronto has and the appearances they make in parks. Burlington doesn’t have mounted police officers but there are a lot of bicycles that could be used.
 Tickets handed out by police do not result in positive relationships. Media were not able to learn who the staff person was and just what had happened; only that the Spencer Smith Park Ambassador program was on hold until the there is more information.
During the virtual session with the police Chief Tanner talked about the police relationship with the city. Mention was made of the number of tickets that were handed out by police – did not result in positive relationships.
Expect there to be discussions about the quality of the relationship with the police and the matter of public safety.
Part 1 of a two part article
 By Staff
May 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Last chance:
The Gazette, wanting to support local artistic efforts, is offering a prize for the best name that can be found for this sweet little bird.
The prize will be a $50 gift card or a donation of $50 to the Burlington Food Bank.
The contest ends at the close of Mother’s Day.
Send your suggestions to chickenjane@bgzt.ca
On April 21st, Jane McKenna rose in the Ontario Legislature and spoke to the current pandemic. She portrayed members of the opposition as “chicken littles” who needlessly and inaccurately exaggerated the seriousness and impacts of the pandemic for political advantage. For a politician who has demonstrated a remarkable degree of tone-deaf insensitivity in the past, her performance was a high (or low) mark.
 MPP Jane McKenna in her best dark blue Conservative suit calling the Opposition “Chicken Little” Sometimes, when faced with leaders who betray a complete lack of awareness and social conscience, it is best to turn indignation into humour, or farce or satire to better isolate and scorn the behaviour. The ‘Chicken Post’ is such an attempt. It responds to callous indifference by shining the light of humour. It “belittles” (pun intended) one who should have known and acted far better.
Those are the views of one, pen in hand, Burlingtonian.
Burlington MPP Jane McKenna stood up in the Legislature and laid out the fact about the Covid19 pandemic. That is where we learned of the Chicken Little speech she gave. It lasts just over a minute. Scroll down the link and click on the video. Get there and Have a listen.
Others with a different artistic bent wanted to help the MPP visualize what she had the temerity to say in the Legislature. They doubled down on their artistic talents and sent a little chicken to Jane McKenna.
 A chicken on a respirator in need of a name. This lovely piece of local art should be donated to the Historical Society once Ms McKenna has displayed it in her constituency office and had it photographed for use on her election signs come June of 2022.
The Gazette, wanting to support local artistic efforts, is offering a prize for the best name that can be found for this sweet little bird.
The prize will be a $50 gift card or a donation of $50 to the Burlington Food Bank.
The contest ends at the close of Mother’s Day.
Send your suggestions to chickenjane@bgzt.ca
By Staff
May 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, has launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative for small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative will provide free rapid antigen tests for employees of small and medium-sized businesses through participating local chambers of commerce and other organizations. The program will screen for asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to keep workers and their families safe and businesses open.
More than 760,000 rapid test kits have already shipped to 28 chambers and more than 50 others have expressed interest in participating.
 Rapid testing kit – Non-chamber members with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in the initiative. “With the success of the StaySafe Rapid Testing Pilot in Waterloo Region, expanding rapid testing to small and medium-sized businesses across the province will help keep people working and safe,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“Adding rapid antigen testing to the arsenal of protections for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in regions with hot spots, is one more important step towards keeping businesses open and economic recovery.”
“The rollout of the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative through local chambers of commerce will make rapid tests accessible for more employees of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “This initiative is providing Ontario’s hardworking business owners with more tools to prevent outbreaks and will ensure their employees can stay on the job with the best protection possible.”
“Our government’s top priority is protecting the health and safety of all Ontarians. As we continue to vaccinate more Ontarians, testing remains a key component of Ontario’s pandemic response,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“By supporting the use of rapid antigen tests by more businesses, our government is helping to provide an additional layer of protection for workers and their families.”
Ontario has already begun delivering rapid testing kits through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program to workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, the supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. As of April 30, about 7.6 million rapid antigen tests had been sent through the program to nearly 1,500 workplaces.
This includes nearly 200 essential industry sites, most of them in hot spot areas.
The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative builds upon the success of this existing program and delivers tests into the hands of small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
 Simple finger prick – with results in 15 minutes, Making COVID-19 rapid tests accessible to all small and medium-sized businesses is part of a greater strategy to decrease the impact of COVID-19 on the people of Ontario and the economy. This includes stay-at-home measures, paid sick days, education campaigns on how to stay safe, significant testing and tracing capacity, and a robust vaccination distribution plan to make sure that every Ontarian who wants to be vaccinated will be vaccinated.
Quick Facts
• To contact participating local chambers of commerce and boards of trade about the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative, visit the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
• Non-chamber members with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in the initiative.
• The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative applies to businesses allowed to be open under current orders.
• The StaySafe COVID-19 Rapid Screening Pilot program in Waterloo Region is a collaboration among the Government of Ontario, Health Canada, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and participating member chambers, and Communitech.
• There are more ways for organizations to easily find out how to access rapid antigen tests. Visit ontario.ca/testingonsite to find out more.
• A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere (e.g., on-site, at the place of employment) and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It takes about 15 minutes to yield a result.
• Rapid antigen point-of-care testing does not replace public health measures, such as symptom screening, physical distancing, masking and hand hygiene. Any positive results from a rapid antigen point-of-care test must be confirmed with laboratory-based chain reaction (PCR) testing.
• Employees can self-swab using a COVID-19 rapid test under the supervision of a trained employee or business owner.
• Frequent screening with rapid antigen tests increases the chances of early identification of cases in otherwise asymptomatic individuals.
• Organizations participating in the Provincial Antigen Screening Program can now search for a service provider offering point-of-care rapid testing services through a directory on the Ontario Together website. Service providers offering point-of-care COVID-19 testing services can also apply to be listed.
• Ontario has also released guidance for individuals or organizations that choose to participate in COVID-19 testing that falls outside of the public health care system, to ensure there is appropriate oversight and consumer protection and that public resources are supporting public health initiatives.
 By Pepper Parr
May 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The look and feel of the Burlington we live in today is the result of decisions made decades ago.
The Regional government is running a series of public meetings to give the public an opportunity to have their say.
What do the four municipalities in the Region want their communities to look like ? The Provincial Growth Plan mandates that Halton plan for 1.1 million residents and 500,000 jobs by 2051. Halton is reviewing the Regional Official Plan to meet this direction and remain responsive to our community’s needs.
As part of this review, the Region has developed different Growth Concepts outlining how and where Halton could grow by the year 2051. They have also prepared Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA) 48, which is being considered by Regional Council. ROPA 48 provides direction on how to accommodate future growth in existing urban areas.
 Is this part of the Burlington you want? • Take the short questionnaire: Visit halton.ca/ropr to provide your input.
• Attend a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC): Each PIC includes a presentation from Regional planning staff, a question and answer period, and breakout rooms for discussion. Recordings will be posted to halton.ca/ropr.
• Discuss the Growth Concepts with a Regional planner: To book a virtual meeting for yourself or a small group, please visit halton.ca/ropr or call 905-825-6000, ext. 7772.
 Those new to the Region are going to have to live somewhere – is this the kind of development we should have? 2021 Virtual Public Information Centres (PICs)
Join one of the Region’s virtual Public Information Centres (PICs) online or by phone!
Dates
Halton Hills: Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
Milton: Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m.
Burlington: Tuesday, May 11 at 7 p.m.
Oakville: Thursday, May 13 at 7 p.m.
North Aldershot: Monday, May 17 at 7 p.m.
Region-wide: Tuesday, June 29 at 7 p.m.
How to join
Online: Visit halton.ca/ropr on the date of the PIC to join.
By phone: Call 1-855-703-8985 (toll-free).
• Meeting ID: 970 665 2261
• Passcode: 858099 (if requested)
By Pepper Parr
May 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna cautioning his colleagues. It was a day that ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna will remember for some time and you can be pretty certain that he will be mentioning it often during the 2022 municipal election – assuming of course that he runs for a second term.
Bentivegna has positioned himself as the man who watches the numbers – the vast majority of his questions are related to the level of sending by this council.
And this is a tax and spend council.
Last week Council went through a report from Parks and Recreation who operate the Tyandaga Golf course with a suggestion that it was time to look at a different model for the operation of the golf course.
The Gazette reports on that discussion in a separate news article.
The gist of what Rob Axiak, who has the golf course file, was putting forward the argument that it was time for the financing model to become one that is tax payer supported – meaning that there would be a tax supported contribution to the operation of the golf course. It would not rely on just tee time fees.
 The Tyandada golf course cannot earn enough to cover all the costs – support from taxpayers is being suggested. Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison, who knows the Tyandaga part of the city very well – used to represent that part of the city – wants to see a couple of hundred million dollars home on the land. His thinking appears to be aligned with that of the city manager.
The Tyandada golf course cannot earn enough to cover all the costs – support from taxpayers is being suggested.
Later there was another in depth discussion about the fees that are part of the controversial private tree bylaw – controversial to those who apply to cut down a tree on their property.
The golf course was not the only thing council seemed to be prepared to add to things the public would pay for.
Council Sharman set out an example where removing three mature trees from a property would result in a cost of $16,000.
It was suggested that this too could become a tax supported program – the argument being that everyone benefits from the privately owned trees in the city.
The story behind the private tree bylaw will be covered soon.
 Bentivegna doesn’t want to be part of a tax and spend council. Bentivegna doesn’t want to be part of a tax and spend council.
Both proposals are expected to be heard at the Council meeting on May 18th at which point those ideas could become a bylaw requiring the finance department to find a way to add this spend into the 2022 budget.
Councillor Bentivegna argued that the spending would normally be part of the creation of a budget and setting the tax rate was instead being debated without input from the finance department.
By Staff
May 7, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Road closure: John Street – May 10 to 14, 2021
John Street between Maria Street and James Street will be closed
Monday, May 10 at 7 a.m. to Friday, May 14 at 6 p.m. for sewer and watermain installation.
Local access will be maintained and through traffic will be detoured around the block.
By Staff
May 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
As of Thursday, May 6, 2021, 218,614 doses have been administered in Halton to priority populations identified by the Province.
This represents about 42 per cent of Halton’s population who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccination status dashboard on the Region’s web site – www.halton.ca/COVIDvaccines – is updated Monday to Friday between 12 and 2 p.m.
Information on eligible residents and appointment dates is set out below.
 By Staff
May 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a two part article.
Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner took part, virtually, in a delegation that told the public much more than they have heard from a police chief in some time.
 The short version of what the Regional Police do in Burlington. Inspector Bob Gourlay who runs the Burlington detachment of the Regional Police took council through a slide deck with all kinds of data which the Chief commented on at length later in the delegation.
This will be a two part article – the slide deck now and then what the Chief had to say.
Burlington was where Chief Tanner started his career as a police officer. He went on to serve in Belleville, Kingston and returning to Burlington as Halton Region Chief of Police in 2012.
 Many of the police resources are at headquarters which are in Oakville. Burlington has a full compliment including DUST, DRT, Criminal Investigation, high school and public school liaison officers.  Break and Enter into homes is down – people are working from home keeps the thieves away.
 The data points to the difficulty some people are having in dealing with the pandemic. Cooped up in a house where the relationships between the occupants are not that good is a recipe for a lot of personal pain.  The calls police get on drug matters tends to be related to the legal retailers and the product they are selling.  With traffic on the roads (QEW excepted) roadside tests are lower.  Fewer cars on the road – fewer collisions.  Data is consistent over the two year period.
By Eric Vandewall
May 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This week, I would like to offer a message of hope in these uncertain times, and a call for kindness and compassion.
These past 14 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone. The long, difficult road we have all travelled has transformed our lives in ways we could ever imagine.
 JBH President Eric Vandewall Without question, we have all made difficult sacrifices, from in-person connections suddenly ending, sports and activities cancelled indefinitely, and having to adjust to new health and safety provisions intended to protect us. So much anxiety comes from not knowing if the worst is yet to come, or when we will be able to put this pandemic behind us. Those feelings and experiences can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing.
This week is Mental Health Week. Now, more than ever, please check in on each other and take some time to reflect on your own mental health. A kind gesture goes a long way in making someone’s day better. Let other people know that you are thinking about them, send them a reassuring message, and use kind and inclusive language. Also, know that it is OK not to be OK. If you are struggling, it is vital to open up to someone who you trust or seek out mental health supports available, including virtual supports.
Finally, I would like to offer some hope. Over the past few days, there has been a slight downward trend in not only the number of daily new COVID-19 cases but also in daily COVID-19 critical care hospitalization occupancy rates. While this is early positive news for all of us, and in particular, for our amazing staff and physicians at the hospital, please remember that hospitals in many parts of the province remain under considerable stress. Halton Region continues to see the highest number of cases now since the beginning of the pandemic.
The situation remains precarious, yet hopeful. In terms of our hospital’s capacity, today JBH is at 83% capacity. We are currently caring for 17 patients with confirmed COVID-19 as well as presumed and resolved cases – 12 of the confirmed COVID-19 patients are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The most important thing we can all do to continue to drive daily case numbers down, is to continue to follow public health measures, follow the lockdown guidelines, and get your COVID- 19 vaccination when it’s your turn. I ask you to continue to wash your hands, wear a mask and maintain physical distance.
Together, we will get through this. The road behind us has been a long one, and I can promise you that with your help, we will all cross the finish line together.
By Pepper Parr
May 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Council went into a Closed Session yesterday on six different items; one of which related to a person (believed to be a staff member) who could be named- thus the need for privacy.
There are reports that a city employee was harassed, or injured while doing their job.
There is basically no information but the city has suspended its Park Ambassador program.
Someone was hurt.
Staff put forward all kinds of information on city policy related to workplace violence.
Earlier today Regional Police Chief Tanner told council during a virtual delegation that the police would not be getting involved in matters relating to how people in the parks behaved.
Everyone was walking away from the issue and saying that it was going to be up to the public to be cautious and tell the bylaw people that they saw a problem y calling the Covid hot line that few people even know exists.
The number is 905-825-4722: write it on the palm of your hand or the cuff of your shirt because things are getting nasty out there.
The best the city seems to be able to do is issue a communication to the public.
 Amber Rushton Amber Rushton, a city staff member that Tim Commisso once said he could not do without, provided some data that normally comes from the Public Health Unit. She has commented in the past on her difficulties with them.
Rushton was providing data on the damage and the impact the Covid variants were having on the transmission and level of infections.
The last line of the statement she read out is truly troubling: “Mental health tribulations, civil unrest, anti-government movements, social isolation strains = short term crisis + Long Term Community Recovery.”
In my experience as a reporter I have never heard a civil servant make a statement like that in public. I bounced that off people who have deep civil service experience – their experience was the same. Rushton was not wrong; however the solution to the issues she highlighted are not better public communication.
 Denise Beard: in the seven years we have covered Ms Beard and her work at city hall we have never seen her as concerned and disturbed as she was today. Denise Beard, one of the Parks and Recreation managers said “there was a violent incident that came up in the Closed session of Council” that took place yesterday.
A bylaw department staffer said that “no one thought this would happen – there is a lot of animosity out there”
When the idea of creating the Park Ambassadors positions someone said they were going to be on site to help people enjoy a “Disney like experience”.
Ward 2 Councilor Lisa Kearns said the public needs to be warned about what not to expect in the parks and asked “why is nothing being done about the way people are congregating in the parks. This is getting dangerous.”
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte Councillor Stolte wanted to know: “How do we communicate this to the public adding that “we need to land a message that explains what we can and what we cannot do to protect the public.”
It is going to take more than more signs – a change in public behavior is what city hall is asking for.
City manager Tim Commisso added that “that’s the crux of what we face” adding “the public is not aware” and that this is another opportunity to look at our communication plans.
Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director of Communications for the city said his people are working with the bylaw staff on a communications plan adding that there would be massive blow back from the public.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward told council that she had a meeting with police and bylaw people and met with the communications people to develop some initial material for members of Council and their staff.
The solution seems to be that the onus is for individuals to follow the guidelines – which at this point is to Stay at Home – that rule is in place until May 20th.
This is an important story. It impacts everyone who lives in Burlington and gets out to enjoy the parks and get some fresh air. When a staff member with significant field experience uses words like “Civil unrest, anti-government movements” and points out that “short term crises” = Long Term Community Recovery we need to pay close atention
Unfortunately not everyone in Burlington reads the Gazette – would you make a point of sharing this story with ten people in the city you know. The message is critical – we are in serious trouble.
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