 By Staff
April 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mayor Meed Ward – welcomes the best to the city The Mayor sent out a note from her Linked In account today, touting how great it is to work for the city of Burlington and pointing to the need for a Manager of Building Inspections and Deputy Chief Building Official. Job pays between $112,000 and $140,000.
If you follow the links that are part of the message the Mayor sent out we learn that:
“As you look through our current job openings, remember: the grass is greener at the City of Burlington. With approximately 890 full-time and 600 part-time employees, we focus on teamwork, collaboration and investing in our co-workers. It’s no wonder our employee turnover rate is less than 7 per cent (that’s good). The City of Burlington is an award winning city, filled with award winning staff. In fact, we put the “greater” in the GTA.
 Laura Boyd, Director of Human Resources “We surveyed our staff and the top reasons why they chose to work/stay with the City of Burlington are the location/commute, the people, benefits and pension. Burlington is located between three major highways, has three GO train stations, public transit, bike paths and change and shower facilities at all main working locations.
“As public servants, our job is to provide excellent public service and good value for taxes. Our staff know this and are proud of the work they do, because as Canada’s best mid-sized city, we’re second to none. Our staff are dedicated, caring, professional and award winning.
“We have excellent benefits and pension as well as flexible work arrangements such as work from home, job sharing/rotations and a compressed work week. If you want to join a forward-thinking organization, apply today. Come for the job, stay for the career. We’ve got it all.”
Having the Mayor out there touting the city is a good thing. And there area lot of exceptional people working at city hall.
A report from the Human Resources department in the not too distant past paints a bit of a different picture.
Links to related news content.
Is Burlington going to have to pay more to attract good people?
Boyd report: trouble in paradise
 By Staff
April 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Joseph Brant Hospital is ramping down and postponing all non-urgent pre-scheduled surgeries and procedures effective Monday, April 12 in response to significant pressure on critical care bed capacity across the province. This decision follows the direction of Ontario Health.
Patients who have a scheduled procedure are being contacted directly by their care provider to confirm the status of their procedure, and are asked not to call the hospital. JBH is prioritizing cases based on the hospital’s patient-centered philosophy and ethical framework to ensure that non-deferrable, urgent activity is still completed and that the effects on patient outcomes are minimized.
 Eric Vandewall, President and CEO of Joseph Brant Hospital. “Creating this additional inpatient capacity will help address the immediate needs of Ontario’s healthcare system at this critical time. We understand the impact that this will have on our patients and their families, as well as on our staff and physicians,” says Eric Vandewall, President and CEO of Joseph Brant Hospital.
“We will be continuously monitoring this rapidly evolving situation and will resume the scheduling of surgery and other procedures as soon as safely possible and in alignment with Ontario Health. I would like to thank our community for their continued understanding and cooperation.”
There are no other changes to current services at JBH at this time. JBH will continue to leverage virtual care technology for appointments, while providing on-site services based on need. The Halton Region Vaccination Clinic continues to provide COVID-19 immunization to eligible adults and the COVID-19 Assessment Centre is providing ongoing testing – both services by appointment only.
The hospital is also safe to provide emergency medical care and to allow access to essential care partners (ECPs) who are supporting patients under exceptional circumstances (one ECP permitted per visit). JBH adheres to the strictest infection prevention and control (IPAC) procedures, including entrance screening, environmental cleaning, PPE protocols as well as thorough disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment.
 By Pepper Parr
April 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Revised
Lots of cash poured into the city today.
The federal government dropped $1.9 million while the province added its$1.6 million and the city will contribute $1.3 million for a total of $4.8 million.
We don’t recall any mention of the $1.3 million the city is putting into this being mentioned during the last budget.
 Civic Square as it looks today – by the time the redesign is done in 2025 the high rise across the street will have a major impact on the look and feel of the space. The funds are going to be spent on revitalizing the Civic Square.
A Zoom call was used to make the announcement with talking heads from the federal, provincial and municipal levels chimed in.
The technology didn’t work all that well but the message was clear – Burlington is going to have a much different looking Civic Square starting in 2025.
The plan is to engage with the public in 2023, do the design work in 2024 and put shovels in the ground in 2025
What was a little confusing is that during the Zoom call both MP Karina Gould and Mayor Meed Ward made mention of trees being planted and a new fountain – the existing fountain is to be replaced.
How do those decisions get made without public engagement?
 A former Director of Planning once described the building as “iconic”; dated would be a better description Civic Square was in need of an upgrade. It was not really accessible and the look is dated.
When the talks about how the inside of the ground floor of city hall might get changed mention was made of a much more grand entrance to city hall.
One gets the suspicion that a lot of decisions have already been made.
Let’s wait and see what happens.
Related news stories:
The ground floor of city hall plans.
2019 plans for Civic Square – what happened to them?
The 2018 plans for Civic Square
 By Staff
April 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) located and arrested a suspect wanted for multiple fraud charges dating back as far as 2017.On April 8, 2021, investigators with the HRPS Risk Mitigation Team located and arrested Christopher McSwain (40) of Gatineau QC in Ottawa.
He was arrested with assistance from the Ottawa Police Service. He has been charged with:
• Fraud Under $5000 (12 counts)
McSwain was held pending a bail hearing in Milton.
The Fraud charges relate to contracts entered by the accused from 2017-2019. These contracts with victims throughout Halton, Hamilton, Peel (and elsewhere in Ontario) were for snow removal services, roofing services and cottage rentals.
The contracts were signed under various company names including “Alton Village Landscaping Group” and “Brant Hills Landscape Group”.
 If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud offence in Halton please contact the Fraud Intake Line at 905 465 8741.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Media Inquiries:
 By Staff
April 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Province has announced a province-wide emergency and Stay-at-Home Order, with additional restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19.
Municipalities now have to find ways to give people places to go and things to do that make it possible to get out and get some fresh air and exercise without compromising the rules that are vital: Wear masks – stay six feet away from people you do not know.
Spend your time with immediate family members and don’t be part of groups that are bigger than five people.
Outdoor exercise is considered essential for physical and mental health. Please use caution and follow all public health precautions.
 Tyandaga Golf Course
Tyandaga Golf Course is preparing for opening Saturday, April 10, 2021 with COVID-19 safety precautions in place to help keep both golfers and staff safe by minimizing the spread of the virus.
The course is in great shape and combines a perfect mix of urban convenience with rural beauty, natural waterways, contours and mature trees.
Players wishing to book a tee time can now book online at tyandagagolf.com. Booking by phone can be done starting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by calling 905-336-0005.
New Rules and Operations
• Tyandaga will be open daily, 7 days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to close
• Tee times can be booked online through tyandagagolf.com and by phone only, no walk-in green fees
• Only credit card or debit cards will be accepted for payments (no cash)
• Food and beverage services will be limited to window take-out service only. Dining area is closed
• No tournaments at this time
• At this time, Clubhouse will be closed except for washrooms and pro-shop area. Only one guest allowed in pro-shop and washroom at a time
• All power carts are equipped with dividers for player safety. Masks are mandatory to be worn while in the power cart, if not from the same household
• Lessons and rental clubs currently not available
• Practice greens and practice chipping areas are open
• Sand bunker rakes have been removed. Any shots in the bunker are a free drop
• All high-contact surfaces are regularly sanitized such as the payment terminals, all service-related surfaces, power carts and bathrooms
The tee times for the next two weeks are fully booked. The Junior membership has been closed – a flood of new membership applications took up all the spots that were available.
 Parks and Trails
City-run parks, playgrounds, skateboard parks, Bocce Ball Court and trails are open. Residents are reminded to stay off all artificial turf fields (that are locked and closed) and to stay six feet away from anyone not in your household. Wearing a mask is also strongly recommended.
Please be courteous to all visitors and help keep the parks clean by taking all your garbage home for proper disposal. Please note most park washrooms are not yet opened for the season, please plan accordingly.
Team sports on fields will be cancelled as there are no permitted activities at this time. Outdoor amenities can be used for casual use.
Participants for community sport and recreation rentals are advised to check in with their organization directly for more information.
We ask that you cooperate with others using outdoor spaces and follow all COVID-19 health precautions and posted signage. If the outdoor recreational space is busy, please try another outdoor recreational amenity in the city or come back at a different time. Please be kind to one another, remain vigilant and stay safe. For a list of opportunities available in Burlington (weather permitting) visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Outdoor Play Spaces
All playgrounds, skateboard parks, Bocce Ball Court are open.
Sport Courts and Ball Hockey Courts
Sport courts and ball hockey courts are open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for 30-minute, first come, first serve usage. Masks must be worn when not playing, and highly recommended during play. Two-meter physical distancing is required at all times.
 Outdoor Courts
All outdoor tennis and pickleball courts are open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for 30-minute, first come, first serve usage. Masks must be worn when not playing, and highly recommended during play. Two-meter physical distancing is required at all times.
Lending Library
Play Equipment – Horseshoes, glow in the dark soccer balls, Kanjam, washer toss, tennis, Spikeball and more are available to borrow. Visit burlington.ca/playlending.
Pickleball Equipment – Borrow pickleball equipment for free (deposit required), including noise-reducing paddles, ball packs and portable nets that can be used anywhere. Visit burlington.ca/pickleball.
TelePALS
TelePALS, is a free phone service designed to help adults stay connected as everyone practices physical distancing to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
Through TelePALS, users can participate in free, over-the-phone programs, including Chat Groups, Listen and Learn, Game Shows, Ask the Expert and Listen for Enjoyment.
All programs available through TelePALS can be viewed online at Burlington.ca/telepals.
Active at Home
Stay active at home with our virtual activities online from fitness to crafts for everyone to enjoy. Learns more at burlington.ca/activeathome.
Recreation Services and Facilities
City of Burlington indoor recreation facilities are closed, and all in-person Spring Session 1 programs are cancelled, including Spring Break Camps and PA Day Camps. Virtual and TelePAL programs will continue as planned. Recreation Services staff are contacting user groups, renters and program participants affected by these changes. An exception applies for user groups who provide childcare, they are able to continue during the emergency brake as per the Provincial Guidelines.
Residents are asked to please be patient during this time as it will take two to four weeks for staff to process the large volume of cancellations.
Those who paid using a credit card will receive a pro-rated refund to their card where possible. This applies to rentals and program participants. All other payment methods will receive a credit to their recreation account.
Cheque refunds can be requested by emailing liveandplay@burlington.ca. Please be sure to include your full mailing address in your request. Individuals with questions can follow up with their sport provider or user group or call Recreation Services customer service at 905-335-7738.
 By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 City manager Tim Commisso in his Pandemic bunker It was exactly one year ago today that City Manager Tom Commisso and his staff began the practice of giving city Councillors a verbal update on how the city was coping with Covid19 pandemic.
It has been quite a roller coaster ride for all of them.
Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn has learned to do a pivot within a pivot as he and his staff struggle to deal with how they are going to make the parks and recreation facilities available to the public when the rules get changed.
 Chris Glenn Director of Parks and Recreation for the city. Doing pivots within pivots. Glenn started the week being in a modified lock down mode – worked within those rules only to find that the province is now in a Stay at Home mode with being told to stay in their homes – but to also get out and get some exercise and maintain a semblance of mental health.
The only place you can walk and enjoy yourself is the public parks with Spender Smith being a magnet for most people.
So the crowds arrive – expected to wear masks and maintain the six foot distance rule and don’t be part of a group of more than five people
Glenn’s park experience as a young man was as a lifeguard at swimming pools. Not something that would prepare him for the current assignment.
What we are seeing is a staff that is much more in control of what they have to do and thinking several months ahead and trying to anticipate what they might have to do.
Councillors are in closer touch with the constituents and working hard to get the answers to questions.
 Plains Road; an old suburban highway transitions into a vibrant urban main street with flower beds in place Last year the city put plants in less than half of the 130 plant beds in the city.
This year they will have plants in every bed – assuming they can call back the part time staff that were doing this work. Many of them have moved on to other job opportunities.
What is visible is how Staff have upped their game to meet demands that change by the day – at times by the hour.
Staff are coming back with solutions to problems they didn’t even know existed.
Much more to tell about just how they are doing this.
By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 It appears that we have another one of those left hand not talking to the right hand situations.
The province announced the third Stay at Home order and said it was in place for four weeks.
So we all buckle down and make the best of a tough situation
Late yesterday the city of Burlington put out a notice saying:
Beginning Thursday, April 8 at 12:01 a.m. a province-wide declaration of emergency and a stay-at-home order are in effect to help control the spread of COVID-19. This will be in place for all regions of Ontario, including Halton Region, until further notice.
And just what does “until further notice” mean?
The communications people at city hall just have to do a better job than this.
By Staff
April 7, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Additional measures needed to protect health system capacity and save lives during third wave of COVID-19
Here’s the full story.
What our lives are going to look like for the next four weeks.
 Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential 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. As Ontario’s health care capacity is threatened, the Stay-at-Home order, and other new and existing public health and workplace safety measures will work to preserve public health system capacity, safeguard vulnerable populations, allow for progress to be made with vaccinations and save lives.
Retail
In addition, the province is also strengthening public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide emergency brake. Measures include, but are not limited to:
• Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, and other restrictions;
• Restricting access to shopping malls to limited specified purposes, including access for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, with one single designated location inside the shopping mall, and any number of designated locations outside the shopping mall, along with other restrictions;
• Restricting discount and big box stores in-person retail sales to grocery items, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items only;
• Permitting the following stores to operate for in-person retail by appointment only and subject to a 25 per cent capacity limit and restricting allowable hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. with the delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.:
o Safety supply stores;
o Businesses that primarily sell, rent or repair assistive devices, aids or supplies, mobility devices, aids or supplies or medical devices, aids or supplies;
o Rental and leasing services including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment rental;
o Optical stores that sell prescription eyewear to the public;
o Businesses that sell motor vehicles, boats and other watercraft;
o Vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services; and
o Retail stores operated by a telecommunications provider or service, which may only permit members of the public to enter the premises to purchase a cellphone or for repairs or technical support.
 Keeping the traffic to 25% will be a challenge • Permitting outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries, and indoor greenhouses that engage in sales to the public, to operate with a 25 per cent capacity limit and a restriction on hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
These additional and strengthened public health and workplace safety measures will be in effect as of Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
Education
Keeping schools and child care open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario children and youth. Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.
In addition, beginning next week, education workers who provide direct support to students with special education needs across the province, and all education workers in select hot spot areas, will be eligible to register for vaccination. Vaccinations will commence during the April break starting with priority neighborhoods in Toronto and Peel, then rolling out to priority neighborhoods in other hot spot regions, including York, Ottawa, Hamilton, Halton and Durham. This will be followed by a rollout across the province as supply allows.
“While our government took decisive action by implementing the province wide emergency brake, more needs to be done to protect against the threats to our health system resources and the continued health and safety of individuals and families across the province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By further strengthening public health and workplace safety measures, we can work to reduce transmission of the virus while we work to rollout Phase 2 of our vaccine distribution plan, and put more needles in the arms of Ontarians.”
“The rapid and increasing spread of COVID-19 and the variants of concern pose significant threats to our health care system and the well-being of Ontarians, requiring immediate and decisive action,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
“The declaration of a third provincial emergency is necessary to provide the government with the tools needed to help protect the public, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.”
 With millions of doses on hand – the province is vaccinating tens of thousands each day. Vaccinations
As part of Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, people living in regions with the highest rates of transmission will be prioritized to receive a vaccine, starting with the most at-risk in the Peel and Toronto public health regions. This initiative will be expanded to additional “hot spot” regions based on established patterns of transmission, severe illness, and mortality.
To support this expanded vaccination effort, mobile teams are being organized to administer vaccines in high-risk congregate settings, residential buildings, faith-based locations, and locations occupied by large employers in hot spot neighbourhoods to individuals aged 18 or over. Pop-up clinics will also be set-up in highly impacted neighborhoods, including at faith-based locations and community centres in those hot spots, in collaboration with public health units and community organizations within those communities. The province will provide additional resources to support these mobile and pop-up clinics in the hardest-hit neighbourhoods.
The government will also extend booking for COVID-19 vaccination appointments to more age groups through its provincial booking system, for public health regions with highly impacted neighbourhoods, on Friday, April 9, 2021. Booking eligibility will be extended to include individuals aged 50 and over for COVID-19 vaccination appointments at mass immunization clinics in high-risk areas as identified by postal code, using the provincial booking system.
Workplace Inspections
Health and safety inspectors and provincial offenses officers will increase inspections and enforcement at essential businesses in regional hot zones to continue protecting essential workers while on the job. There have been 19,500 COVID-related workplace inspections and investigations across the province since the beginning of 2021. During those visits, over 450 COVID-19 related tickets have been issued and OHS inspectors have issued over 14,446 OHS orders and stopped unsafe work related to COVID-19 a total of 24 times.
Rapid Testing
Rapid testing continues to be deployed in workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. Approximately 5.4 million rapid antigen tests have been sent to over 1,150 workplaces, including 100 essential industry sites, under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program. To encourage the use of these tests under the program, additional outreach will occur to employers in regions with highest rates of transmission to increase access to testing, and the process for enrollment in the screening program will be streamlined to allow for quick access to these supports.
“As we continue to see COVID-19 variants of concern drive this third wave of COVID-19, it is evident stronger public health and workplace measures are needed to help interrupt the spread of the virus,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “By all of us staying at home, while still taking some time to enjoy the outdoors with the people we live with in our local neighbourhoods and maintaining two metres physical distance from others, we can reduce our mobility, minimize transmission, protect our loved ones and our communities, safeguard health system capacity, and save lives.”
 By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Wow – this was certainly a blast from the past.
Many must wonder – how did Burlington, a traditionally safe Tory seat, come to elect a committed Socialist as its Mayor?
And what kind of a difference did he make as a Socialist mayor?
Those are questions for another time. Today – it is nice to know that both men are in good health and still doing their thing.
Seeing a dated photograph of Walter Mulkewich with Stephen Lewis – perhaps the most gifted speaker in the country, was a gift.
 By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette saw the mention of some possible changes to public access to the piers at the Burlington canal.
 There is a Hamilton and a Burlington pier – and people should be permitted to use those piers There wasn’t much in the way of immediate response from the Member of Parliament Cabinet Minister Karina Gould. Today she released the following statement:
“Over the last few months I’ve heard from constituents regarding their concerns about the closure of the Burlington Canal Piers.
I have been in close contact with all relevant parties about how we can work together to have the Piers stay open, while also keeping residents safe.
I’m pleased that the cities of Hamilton and Burlington, as well as Transport Canada, have indicated a willingness to work on a solution to ensure that the Piers can remain open for public use while ensuring safety for all users.
There are ongoing conversations but we are all committed to working together to keep the piers accessible and safe.
I’d like to once again thank all of the constituents who have contacted my office to express their support. Your voices have been heard, and I will continue to advocate for our community.
As always, I still encourage everyone to stay safe on our waterfront and piers.”
That’s fine as far as it goes.
 Showing the way: Burlington MP Karina Gould has an opportunity to fully engage the public on the matter of access to the pier. During an interview with Minister Gould a number of months ago I recall the Minister saying that as a Cabinet Minister it enabled her to call meetings.
The Gazette would urge the Minister to call a public meeting, perhaps out on the pier where the public can ask questions and the bureaucrats can respond.
All the fresh breezes coming in off the lake would help with the six foot spaces.
The ‘where’ isn’t all that important – what is really vital is that there be a public meeting.
By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Fourth in a series
When Allan Taylor, the Planner hired by Millcroft Against Development (MAD)to state their case against a proposed development that would result in a shorter golf course and 98 detached homes and 130 apartment units, he referred a few times to the storm water problem.
When the community was designed much of the storm water management was handled by the wide open spaces where the water would evaporate.
Start taking out some of the land and there is less space for the water to lie while it evaporates. The infrastructure in place to handle the water was predicated on the open space remaining open.
Storm water is a pretty dull subject – until your basement is flooded.
The people living in Millcroft provided a number of pictures to give you some idea as to just how much water there is to be drained away or left to Mother Nature to handle.
Credit for the pictures goes to Millcroft Against Development (MAD).
In his report as a planner Allan Ramsay said: “The Millcroft community was designed on the basis that the golf course lands would provide a benefit in dealing with rainfall and storm water by providing open storage of stormwater. Recent storm events have identified several flooding and storm water management issues in the Millcroft community.
“The redevelopment of the fairways in the Areas A-D with housing, roads and other hard surfaces will, according to our stormwater management review, increase runoff and worsen the flooding potential. In particular, Millcroft Greens’ proposed mitigation measures such as increasing the topsoil to 300 mm and disconnecting downspouts to rear yards will not likely achieve effective stormwater management.”
Related news stories:
1st in a series
2nd in a series
3rd in a series
 By Pepper Parr
April 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Another one of those weeks.
Council meets for three days in a row as Standing Committee. This is where all the grinding takes place. Recommendations come out of a Standing Committee, then they go to Council where they are voted upon and become the bylaws of the city.
It isn’t quite that smooth – but on balance as a process it works.
Planners from the Region were on hand to today to talk about the growth plans for the Region and what that is going to mean for the city.
The Region is required to grow from a population of 595,000 to 1.1 million by 2051.
 Just where they will live and where will they work were the issues driving a very in-depth, detailed study that Region Planner Curt Benson took council through this morning.
THAT is complex stuff.
One of the reports set out what the boundaries are going to be for the MTSA – Major Transit Stagnation Areas, which for Burlington are going to be located at the GO station.
There will be three MTSA’s in Burlington. Besides the Burlington GO there will be one at Aldershot GO and Appleby GO.
The boundaries are quite a bit bigger than many people thought they were going to be.
The transit terminal on John Street is not among the MTSA’s – it will remain a bus stop, albeit a busy one, nothing more.
 The Urban Growth Centre got moved north – many said it couldn’t be done. The boundary is pretty clear in this illustration. The boundary for the Urban Growth Centre shifted a little as well.
The battle to put an end to the high rise towers has basically been one.
There are concerns about three developments – the CORE development that sits inside the football between Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road and the Carnacelli development planned for the east end of the football as well as a second Carnacelli development on the north side of Lakeshore Road at Pearl. Those are battles that fall outside the limits of the Urban Growth Boundary.
The plans to tear down the Waterfront Hotel and put high rise structures in that space has yet to come to the table.
When it does the Plan B people who live in the downtown core have a solution.
Those are battles that are sometime in the future – perhaps as much as a decade.
 The objective was to ensure that the view south to the lake from Brant Street was unobstructed. The Waterfront Hotel would come down and new buildings would be built in what is now the Waterfront parking lot.
 By Pepper Parr
April 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Premier drops the hammer on the province and puts us into a modified lockdown for 28 days starting last Saturday.
Why he didn’t make it immediate is hard to understand: is the situation is as dire as he maintains it is? Actually, it is worse.
The province has said – no more than five people meeting at a time and those five must be part of the same household. No patio dining – take out only.
The city administration has laid their rules on top of the provincial requirements.
 City Hall
Starting Tuesday, April 6, 2021, City Hall, located at 426 Brant St., will be open to the public by appointment, for in-person commissioning services and marriage licences. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Please visit burlington.ca/commissioning, burlington.ca/marriage or call 905-335-7777 to book your appointment. Residents can also visit burlington.ca/onlineservices to access a variety of City services online.
Service Burlington is available to answer questions by phone during regular business hours, at 905-335-7777 and email at city@burlington.ca.
Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will continue to run as scheduled including specialized transit and trips to vaccination clinics. The transit terminal at 430 John St. will remain open to provide PRESTO services including SPLIT passes. Presto services are available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at prestocard.ca. Transit schedules are available online at myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will remain open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. Visitors to the courthouse must self-screen using the provincial e-screening application at http://covid-19.ontario.ca/courthouse-screening and wear a mask or face covering unless exempted from by the Mandatory Mask Bylaw.
Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many online services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or by visiting haltoncourtservices.ca.
 The play grounds will be empty. Recreation Services and Facilities
City of Burlington facilities and recreation programming will close, and all indoor programs are cancelled as of Saturday, April 3, 2021. Recreation Services staff are contacting user groups, renters and individuals affected by these changes. User groups who provide childcare are exempt and can remain open as they are able to continue during the emergency brake as per the Provincial Guidelines.
An announcement will be made sometime this week with more detailed information for how this Provincial emergency brake impacts recreation services including
Residents are encouraged to remain active by accessing outdoor recreation opportunities such as walking/biking on trails or visiting parks and playgrounds. For a list of parks, playgrounds and trails, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay. Options to stay active at home are available online at burlington.ca/activeathome.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents with questions or issues can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Mayor Marianne Meed Ward found this was “difficult news to receive and we’re not out of the woods yet, but we have come a long way from when this pandemic started. This four-week province-wide shutdown indicates how important it is we stay vigilant and do all we can, including wearing masks, staying physically apart where we can, connecting with others virtually or over the phone, and only being in close contact with those in our household. Better days are ahead, particularly with the Region of Halton’s vaccination centres open and administering vaccinations. We will continue strengthening our determination to see ourselves through the other side of this.”
Related news story:
Science made it critical that the lockdown be put in place.
By Pepper Parr
April 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We got a little bit behind on this one.
The federal government sent a pair of Cabinet Ministers to the city to do a short quick announcement on some funding that came out of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario – FedDev for short.
Burlington’s MP Karina Gould and Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario visited virtually to leave behind $2.9 million with two Burlington corporations.
 Elaine Gerrie spoke for the company when the funding announcement was made. The first, Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited got $1.4 million as repayable contribution that will help the consolidation of its new distribution operations in the 76,000-square-foot facility that will open in late May.
 The “Karie” a pharmaceutical dispensing device developed by Burlington’s AceAge AceAge Inc., a healthcare technology company, has developed and commercialized the Karie™ in-home medical device that organizes and dispenses medication. The easy-to-use system allows patients to schedule medication refills and deliveries, which has become increasingly beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also reminds users to take their medication, which is dispensed with the push of a button, and uses smartphone technology to alert family or caregivers when a patient has missed a dosage. With a $1.5-million repayable contribution, AceAge Inc. will scale its operations to meet increasing demand in Canada and Europe by growing its development and support teams.
This investment will also help the company launch its technology in the United States.
These funding announcements are part of the political process; the politicians want the public to know all about the good news.
 Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario Once the announcements were made the Zoom session was open for questions. My name pops up on the screen and I ask my question – I get to ask a follow up question. Then on to the next reporter. Turns out that I was the only reporter on the call (typical of the Gazette) so I asked if I could get in another question.
Nope, said the facilitator and then Minister Joly brought her hand up to her mouth with the palm facing up and I swear she blew a kiss goodbye – given that I was the only reporter on the call it just had to be for me.
I was so surprised that I wasn’t able to move fast enough to grab a screen shot you’ll just have to believe me.
By Pepper Parr
April 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Third in a series
MAD – Millcroft against Development realized they had a problem on their hands and went looking for a planner who could create the case they believed they had against the development.
The proposal the developer has taken to the Planning department is to add 98 detached dwellings and one mid-rise apartment building containing 130 dwelling units.
The community knew they had a serious problem and went looking for a planner who could point to the deficiencies in the proposed development in language that would equal what the planner for Millcroft Greens was putting forward.
A sort of “planner speak” going against another “planner speak”.
 Allan Ramsay – independent planner hired by the MAD community. Allan Ramsay was their choice; he made a delegation which set out what the proposed development would mean to the community. Before going into private practice Ramsay worked in the city planning department; while he did not work on the Millcroft file he was fully aware of the development. At that time, in the mid 80’s it was a big deal for Burlington.
When the issue first became public – all the homes in the community got a letter from the then golf course owners – operators inviting people to a meeting.
The Mayor and the ward Councillor were all over the issue with emails and statements equaling the production of a healthy female rabbit. Truth of the matter is that they could only offer words and do their best at council to grill the consulting planner on what the changes would really mean. At that level the mayor was very good – let’s not equivocate – she was superb.
She left Glenn Wellings searching for words and saying he did not have much of the information at his finger tips – and promised to get it for Her Worship and place it on the developers web site. As of this writing – there are none of the promised answers.
Millcroft is a community with a mission to preserve the integrity of the existing Millcroft golf course said Allan Ramsay as he began his delegation.
 The development as it exists today. A par 70 course with 5700 feet .  The revised golf course will be a par 62 3900 foot Executive Style layout. The yellow spots are where the detached homes will be placed.  98 detached homes will be located in the gray areas. He had just ten minutes to speak as a delegate – and chose to answer questions. He had sent a copy of his delegation to the city planners and every member of Council.
In his response to the development application he said what we have set out below:
The proposal by Millcroft Greens Corporation (“Millcroft Greens”) seeks to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law and register a plan of subdivision to allow five portions of the existing Millcroft Golf Course (“Areas A-E”) to be developed with residential uses. A total of 98 detached dwellings and one mid-rise apartment building containing 130 dwelling units are proposed.
The subject lands are currently designated “Major Parks & Open Space” (Areas A-D), and “Residential – Medium Density” (Area E) in the City’s Official Plan.
Millcroft Greens is proposing to redesignate Areas A-D to allow low-density residential uses, and redesignate Area E to allow high-density residential uses with a maximum density of 200 units/ha. All of the subject lands are currently zoned “Open Space (O1)” in the City’s Zoning By-law.
In preparing our planning opinion we have undertaken an examination of the following:
i) the application submission and supporting documentation;
ii) neighbourhood context applicable to the subject property;
iii) the policy context; and
iv) the appropriateness of the application.
The following outlines our evaluation and conclusions in relation to these matters and concludes with the opinion, as professional planners, that the applications should not be approved.
 Wide streets, good medians and space between the houses. Neighbourhood Character – the Millcroft community was planned as a prestige residential area built around a privately operated golf course. Inherent in the community concept is the integration of residential areas with the golf course and other forms of open-space and recreation areas.(1) Some of the defining residential characteristics of the community are the large lots, spacious setbacks and separations between dwellings and an abundance of open space. The Millcroft Greens proposal will result in development that is not in keeping with the established character of the existing community. The proposal, if approved, will facilitate an undesired change in the character of the area. For example:
i) Development Standards – As illustrated below Millcroft Greens is proposing significant reductions to the zoning regulations in comparison with the R2-3 zone found on most of the abutting and adjacent properties.
 The differences between what the current zoning permits and what the developer is asking for – this is really the nub of the argument. Zoning Regulation R2-3 Standard on Adjacent Lands Proposed
Exception Zoning
Min. Lot Frontage 18 m 15 m
Min. Lot Area 680 m2 425 m2
Min. Front Yard (Dwelling) 7.5 m 4.5 m
Min. Side Yard (1) 1.8 m or 10% of lot frontage 1.2 m
Min. Rear Yard (2) 9.0 m 7.5 m
Min. Building Height (2) 10 m 12 m
Min. Lot Coverage (2) 25% n/a
The proposed zoning standards will result in development that is not in keeping with the character of the existing area. The new lots will be significantly smaller and narrower with much smaller front, rear and yard setbacks. Millcroft Greens is also proposing taller dwellings with no restriction of lot coverage.
ii) Separation Between Buildings – one of the defining characteristics of the Millcroft community is the spaciousness between dwellings as seen from the street. Many of the existing dwellings are separated from dwellings on the opposite side of the street by large front yards and the full width of the municipal road. The separation distance from the front door of one dwelling to the front door of the dwelling on the opposite side of the street is typically between 34 m and 44 m (2). Millcroft Greens is proposing both reduced front yard, side yard and rear yard setbacks and narrow private streets. As a result the separation between dwellings on opposite side of the street will be reduced to 19.3 m. The visual difference between a separation of 19.3 m and a separation of 34 m to 44 m is dramatic.
iii) Lot Coverage – Millcroft Greens is proposing a zoning exception to the normal requirement of a maximum 25% lot coverage. For Areas A to D, Millcroft Greens is proposing that there be no maximum lot coverage. The elimination of the lot coverage regulation is required in order to accommodate larger dwellings that would not normally be permitted. This situation is indicative of the overdevelopment of the lots and is not in keeping with the character of the area.
 The green space and the golf course were why people bought into the community. The golf course was never a top tier competitive location – but it worked for those who just enjoyed the game. Loss of Open Space –The Millcroft community was planned in the 1980s with the approvals occurring through Official Plan Amendment 117 (OPA 117). According to OPA 117 the community plan was based on the integration of residential development within the open space land of the golf course and other natural features. Specifically OPA 117 indicated:
“…It is also the intent of the Plan that, should the operation of the golf course discontinue, these lands will remain as permanent open space, since portions of these lands contain creek features which are part of the stormwater management system for the Community. The open space associated with the golf course will be an important element in the concept and therefore the marketing of the Community. It is also the policy of this Plan that the City neither intends nor will be obliged to purchase the golf course lands in order to ensure their existence as permanent open space.” (Emphasis Added)
Although OPA 117 is no longer in force and effect and it is not applicable policy it clearly demonstrates the intention of the City to maintain the open space lands in the community as a permanent feature.
The Millcroft Greens proposal represents a significant loss of open space in the community and City. The adverse impacts include the loss of tree canopy, increased runoff due to additional roads, buildings and hard surfaces and the loss of wildlife habitant and natural features.
Flooding and Stormwater Management Issues – The Millcroft community was designed on the basis that the golf course lands would provide a benefit in dealing with rainfall and storm water by providing open storage of stormwater. Recent storm events have identified several flooding and storm water management issues in the Millcroft community.
The redevelopment of the fairways in the Areas A-D with housing, roads and other hard surfaces will, according to our stormwater management review, increase runoff and worsen the flooding potential. In particular, Millcroft Greens’ proposed mitigation measures such as increasing the topsoil to 300 mm and disconnecting downspouts to rear yards will not likely achieve effective stormwater management.
On behalf of M.A.D. we request the City investigate and report on the following:
(i) What strategies have been put in place to compensate for the loss of the golf course on river flooding?
(ii) Have the proponents conducted an assessment of potential basement flooding within the areas where foundation drains are connected to storm sewers?
(iii) What is the volume (cubic meters) of storage currently available for stormwater in the golf course and what is the volume of storage proposed through the developers functional servicing report? (and later why aren’t they the same?)
(iv) Will residents be compensated in the case that basement flooding damages occur?
Reduced Right-of-Way Widths – Millcroft Greens is proposing to develop Areas A – D using private roads instead of the standard municipal road. According to their submission these private roads have right-of-ways of 10.3 m rather than the 20 m right-of-ways found on the nearby municipal roads. These reduced right-of ways provide 8.3 m of pavement width and may not accommodate on-street parking.
Although private driveways are found in many condominium developments the use of private roads having reduced right-of-ways is new to the Millcroft community.
 Some of the new detached units are show in full colour. The existing structures are shown in a light grey. Looks tight Roads Introduced Along Rear Property Lines – Millcroft Greens is proposing development along a single loaded road in Area A. In this situation the new road is located near the rear lot line of the adjoining properties on Hadfield Crt. The new street will create a “sandwich effect” for several existing properties. Homeowners in this location will now have streets running along their front and rear yards. This situation raises issues of noise, privacy and nuisance for the abutting residents and will undoubtedly impact their use and enjoyment of their back yards.
Loss of Housing Adjacent to Golf Course – The Millcroft Community is one of only three locations in the urban areas of the City that provides a unique opportunity where housing is located adjacent to a golf course. The proposed redevelopment of the golf course lands will mean that approximately 65 dwellings that currently back onto the golf course will back onto new housing or a new subdivision road. The loss of this unique housing adjacent to golf courses is not desirable and significantly reduces the supply of this unique form of housing.
Redevelopment of Additional Golf Course Lands – At this time Millcroft Greens has not indicated if it has any plans for any further redevelopment of the remaining golf course lands. However, in considering the current proposal it is important to understand how the remainder of the golf course lands could be used and/or redeveloped. In particular, an assessment is required in order to ensure that the current proposal does not preclude the continuing use or orderly redevelopment of any adjacent lands.
Functionality of the Remaining Golf Course – The proposed realignment of the golf holes to accommodate the removal of some lands from the golf course use may create issues with respect to the functionality and viability of the golf course. One issue relates to extended distance and travel required to get from one green to the next tee. In several instances the distance and travel has increased significantly. For example, the distance from the tenth green to the eleventh tee will be approximately 230 m and the distance from the fifteenth green to the sixteenth tee is approximately 471 m. Another issue involves the overall desirability of the re-aligned and much shorter golf course. These factors are directly related to the long term viability of the golf course and the need to assess its future in a comprehensive rather than ad hoc or piecemeal basis.
Maintenance Building Relocation – Redevelopment Area E necessitates the relocation of the existing golf course maintenance building located on this site. Millcroft Greens has not indicated where the maintenance building will be relocated. While we understand the maintenance building is a permitted use under the zoning by-law on all the golf course lands, the future location of the facility is an important consideration and should be evaluated when considering the redevelopment of Area E and the re-alignment of the golf course resulting from the proposed residential development. The future location of the maintenance building may have traffic, noise, dust and other impacts.
Proposed 6m Buffer – the proposed draft plans of subdivision identify 6 m buffer blocks adjacent to the rear property lines in Areas A to D. The proposed buffer blocks are also shown on the Conceptual Open Space Plans submitted by Millcroft Greens. According to the Planning Justification Report the proposed buffer blocks will be a common element in a future condominium application and will be owned by the future condominium corporation(s). The purpose of these buffer blocks is not clear nor is it readily apparent the nature of the landscaping that will be provided, how maintenance of these areas will take place, what, if any, fencing will be provided and whether or not there will be any public or private access to the blocks.
The proposed development is not compatible with the well established character of the area. Though compatibility does not necessarily mean “same”, it also does not mean out-of-step with a stable environment. The proposed zoning regulations seek significant reductions in minimum requirements for lot area, lot frontage and front, rear and side yard setbacks. As well, the proposal seeks to eliminate lot coverage requirements.
Collectively these zoning changes will result in an over development of the Subject Lands.
The Gazette and Wellings Planning Consultants are involved in a libel dispute
Related news stories
Part 1 of the series
Part 2 of the series
By Pepper Parr
April 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
While the city is taking a closer look at how to deal with the crowding problem in the Beachway a federal government is looking for ways to limit public access to the piers on both sides of the canal that separates Burlington from Hamilton.
The two piers reach more than 320 metres out into the lake. The federal Transportation wants to fence them off to prevent the public from walking out. The canal is overseen by the federal department of Transportation; in the words of Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, “it’s their asset and they get to do whatever they want”.
Burlington’s MP Karina Gould got wind of the Transportation plans – they probably ran what they had in mind past the Minister which got the issue to the city.
The Gazette learned about the plans more by luck than anything else. No direct word from the Minister, the Mayor or the ward Councillor.
We learn now that the idea of putting up fences and gates has been paused. Galbraith believes that it is just a matter of time before the federal people decide this is necessary and just go ahead and build.
 Tour boats made use of the canal and the public got out on them much of the time. There was a time when those piers were the point at which steam ships that were taking people on tours would tie up and take on passengers.
We believe there are many people in the city who can add to what we know at this point – we would sure like to hear from them.
Governments do respond to pressure – the planned upgrade – it’s actually more of a rebuild – calls for the Beachway community plans for parks that run right up to the canal area.
It will be interesting to hear what the Region tells the city in the fall when they are scheduled to bring the city up to date on where the plans for the “new” Beachway stand.
 A bridge dedicated to rail traffic into Burlington. At one point there were two tracks leading into the city. The walking trail that begins at the west end of Spencer Smith Park and goes right up to the canal was once a rail bed for trains that came into Burlington, picked up some of the produce from large farms and took it on in to Toronto and Montreal. Some of that produce made its way to European cities.
The trains that came through the city had their own exclusive bridge across the canal. At one point there were three bridges across the canal. When the Skyway bridge was opened – there was just the one bridge.
 The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club – a significant point of Hamilton Society There is a lot of history in that part of the city. During a walking tour with former Mayor Walter Mulkewhich he pointed out the location for a planned science museum tucked into land close to the western pier.
The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club had a magnificent clubhouse on the western side of the canal. An impressive stone light house used to serve as a beacon for ships – it is still there, hidden from view by the lift bridge that changed the movement of traffic that used to clog the road that serves as the entrance to the hospital
By Pepper Parr
April 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there a relationship between this front page story in the weekend Toronto Star and the city of Burlington?
 Is one of those friends with benefits active in Burlington? Could be – a little more digging around to be done.
The link we think is there will interest the Millcroft community.
By Pepper Parr
April 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Convinced that there is actually going to be a summer that doesn’t have us in some level of lockdown, city hall people held a virtual community meeting on what could and should be done with the Beachway that was flooded with a level of traffic last summer that had not been seen in decades.
With few places open for walking around and a requirement that we keep six feet apart and wear masks – and at the same time try to get outdoors for some exercise and a chance to upgrade our mental health, the city was open to new ideas. The city hall types wanted to hear what people thought should be done.
Many of the people using the park are believed to be people who were not Burlingtonians which rubbed some the wrong way.
The virtual event was a bit like a workshop; staff from Transportation, traffic, parks and recreation and tourism were taking part to explain what they were doing, as well as what they were up against.
 The virtual meeting was designed to get public input on how to handle the problems – though public take-up was low, there were some very good ideas. The Beachway traffic is close to being out of control.
Parking and waste removal were top of mind for those who did call in. The take up by the public wasn’t as high as Mayor Meed Ward had hoped.
There was a note that spaces on the call were limited to 500 – nowhere near that number – yet there were some good ideas.
When it was suggested that the Beachway be limited to just people who lived in Burlington, Mayor Meed Ward pointed out that the Beachway was a Regional park operated by the city.
That means having to take in the “rabble” from everywhere.
Charging for parking is something we are likely to see come the summer. The rate mentioned was $20 a day – $2.50 an hour. How those amounts are going to be collected wasn’t talked about.
 This house was torn down – just an empty plot of land. All part of the Region’s willing seller – willing buyer program designed to remove all of the homes in the Beachway. It could serve as a temporary parking lot. One call had a really good idea: Use the spaces that used to have homes on them before the Region began buying them up – they are now just vacant lots. The suggestion was to turn them over to one of the service clubs who would handle the parking and split the income with the city.
Given that we are dealing with municipal administrations there were problems (the Region owns the land) – the grounds would have to be properly prepared which would cost and thee is no budget in place to cover that cost.
We did learn that there are conversations taking place with the Region.
There are plans to put Ambassadors in place who will travel in pairs and patrol both the Beachway and Spencer Smith Park explaining the rules to people. Parking bylaw officers will also be well represented. They will be wearing uniforms – no hats or badges said the Mayor.
 The Pavilion, which was badly in need of an upgrade will reopen around Victoria Day. Washrooms will be available. The Pavilion is undergoing upgrades – washrooms will be operational by summer time.
City Staff are looking into ways to get mobile food vendors in the space.
Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn, apologetically explained that the “healthy food” mandate they had in place will give way to products that are more popular. The vendors can’t make a living selling kale with dressing on the side.
French fries and ice cream will do it.
There are a lot of unknowns including whatever the province and or the Public Health Unit decide to impose.
 Parking tickets get handed out when people decide they can park wherever they wish. This was in the west end of the Beachway – some of those houses in the background were torn down. The job on the public health side is to do everything possible to keep us all safe; parks and recreation needs to find ways for creating things people can do while traffic needs to exercise some control over the parking.
Staff are looking into pick up and drop off locations where people can be driven into the park and be dropped off at a location where they could put all their ”stuff” and get driven out of the Park when they are ready to go home. Cumbersome to even think about.
A number of people wanted to see much better maintenance – the grounds get to look pretty tacky at the end of a busy day. The suggestion was that roving maintenance people be on hand to do the clean up throughout the day.
Staff would like people to realize that when they bring waste into the park, they should be made responsible for taking it out with them.
A lot of educating to be done – and these things cost money.
Using electric carts to move people in and out was mentioned, shuttle buses brought out the fact that one of the bus routes runs from the John Street terminal right through the Beachway. Parking in the city is free on the weekends – could work.
Council will be getting a report on Tuesday – the option will be spelled out along with the costs.
The virtual event was to take the pulse of the community and see what they had to say.
 The Mayor monopolized the microphone – partly because the ward Councillor didn’t have much to say – the Beachway is in his ward – he should be THE champion for that part of the city. The Beachway is in ward 1 and while Councillor Kelvin Galbraith could be seen – the public didn’t hear all that much from him.
For much of the webcast it sounded like the Mayor was the prime input person – she asked the questions, guided those who were calling in and passed things along to Staff.
The one really “hot potato” was finding a way to reserve the park for Burlingtonians – no one wanted to touch that one.
Sitting in the background is the work being done on a Master Plan for the Beachway that began in 2015. Council is scheduled to receive a report on that sometime in the fall.
 Almost every foot of the Beachway park will look differently if the Master Plan now in the works actually gets done. What Meed Ward consistently calls the jewel in the city’s crown” is going to begin to look a lot different in five years.
Hopefully we are out of public health restrictions by then.
Related news story
The Master Plan for the Beachway
By Staff
April 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: 60 and plus cannot book an appointment until Tuesday. So they should wait to log in then. 65 + and others are currently being registered for appointments available in April.
Starting Tuesday, April 6, Halton residents who are 60 years of age and older (born in or before 1961) can book an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. Appointments are available in April.
To book an appointment CLICK here
“This is another great step forward in our plan to get priority populations vaccinated,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our six clinics are operating seven days a week to serve our community. We continue to follow Provincial direction on prioritization and our ability to keep vaccinating at this pace relies on ongoing supply from the Federal and Provincial Governments.”
Halton Region continues to follow Provincial direction on prioritization and is reminding residents that Public Health does not have the authority to make any exceptions; only those who are eligible can book appointments.
The following groups are currently eligible for vaccination in Halton:
• all Halton residents 60 years of age and older (born in 1961 or earlier);
• Indigenous adults (including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations) 55 years of age or older;
• staff and essential caregivers from long-term care or retirement homes in Halton who have not received their first dose;
• health care workers identified as highest priority, very high priority and high priority (providing direct, non-virtual care at least once a week) who live OR work in Halton; and
• adults receiving chronic home care through a Local Health Integration Network or a home care agency.
“While we continue to make progress, vaccine coverage is not yet widespread and many are still susceptible to experiencing severe illness from COVID-19, including the variants of concern,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “As cases continue to rise, we all need to stay focused on protecting our own health, the health of our loved ones, and that of our community. Even if you or someone you know has been partially or fully vaccinated, public health measures like wearing a mask, physical distancing and limiting your close contacts to people you live with are still critical.”
Important information & instructions:
• In addition to the groups that are currently eligible, on Tuesday, April 6, Halton residents who are 60 years of age and older (born in 1961 or earlier) will also be eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment through Halton’s online booking system.
• While booking online is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, residents can also call 311 if they require booking support. Residents who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine are asked not to call 311 or visit the online booking system to ensure eligible residents have access.
• Vaccinations are by appointment only (no walk-ins) and must be booked through Halton Region’s online system or through 311. Please do not contact clinics directly. Bookings for Halton residents are not available through the Provincial booking system; residents who access the Provincial booking system will be redirected back to Halton’s system.
• Residents who have already scheduled an appointment for vaccination through Halton Region can now verify their appointment details online, including appointment time, date and location.
• Eligible residents can book appointments at any one of Halton’s six COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics located in Burlington (including Joseph Brant Hospital), Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville (including Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital). Residents are reminded that parking is free at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Joseph Brant Hospital for those with scheduled appointments at these clinics.
• Halton Region continues to offer transportation services to and from appointments for residents who require support, free of charge, including residents 60 years of age and older.
• All appointments are contingent on the availability of vaccine supply.
• To maintain physical distancing and safety measures, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment (not earlier) and remember to wear a non-medical mask.
By Pepper Parr
April 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Later today, Premier Doug Ford is expected to announce that the province will be put in a lock down mode for as much as 28 days.
This has been done before and the science community is of the belief that lockdowns work.
 Dr Adelstein on the left and Dr.David Williams on the right at a technical briefing this morning. This morning Dr. David Williams and Dr. Adelstein Brown took part in a video conference in which mush of the science behind the decisions that get made was discussed with media taking part in a short media question and answer session.
The news was not good.
Dr. Brown said that if the province did not go into a lock down now there “was very strong chance that we will lose the summer”.
Brown is part of a community of 120 scientists across the province who collaborate on collecting data and analyzing that data to determine the best preventive action to take.
The scientists advise – the politicians have to make the decisions.
Brown referred to data that had been collected showing that the people who need vaccinations the most are the people not getting the vaccinations.
 Column 1 represents the people who are most at risk; the people in column 10 are at the least risk. The people who need vaccinations are the people who are not getting them. The race is to find a way to get those at the highest risk vaccinated as soon as possible. Along with that fact is the perplexing problem of far too many people who qualify for a vaccination but not getting to the vaccination centres.
The province is in a third wave where the predominant virus is one the Covid19 variants which are proving to be more infectious and resulting in more deaths of people who are below the 80 year and 70 years cohorts.
 The field hospital set up outside the Joseph Brant Hospital at a cost of several million was a wise decision. The pressure on the hospitals is immense. Brown and Williams said that should the number of people in hospital ICU’s rise above 800 a tipping point will be reached where a triage approach has to be taken as to who gets treatment and who doesn’t.
This third wave is real” said Brown and “it is very dangerous because of the variants that are now rampant in the community with 67% of the cases reported being variant.
Williams referred to people meeting with people that are not part of their home group is “dangerous behaviour. The science community wants to see stay at home orders issued which does not appeal to the politicians who have to deal with the backlash from people who vote.
The province has yet to succeed in getting a strong message out to the public that we are very very close to a crisis.
Brown said the politicians have to be “more decisive’ and that we are in a “ground game” now.
Brown brought up another matter – the closing of schools saying that schools should be the last to close and the first to open.
He pointed out that students reflect the community they live in and the hard reality is that the students bring what they reflect into the classrooms.
Closing schools however also has serious long term impacts on mental health. If students miss too much classroom time their earnings potential as adults will be impacted.
The education one gets in grade three is not something you can go back and get when the student is moving on to grade four.
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