 By Pepper Parr
July 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
This is the story about what the city wanted to get across to people and how people reacted to messages they may not have heard.
 Social distance was being observed for the most part. As the hot summer temperatures continue, the City of Burlington continues to remind residents and visitors of some of the ways they can stay cool while continuing to protect the health and safety of the community and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
The problem is – the cool waters of Lake Ontario beckon – a part of town where there are more cars looking for a place to park than there are parking lots.
Beachway Park
Burlington’s beautiful waterfront at Beachway Park is a popular destination when temperatures are high, however, visitors to the beach are reminded:
 Beachway – another of the city’s gems. • The City of Burlington continues to be in a state of emergency due to COVID-19. Please continue to respect physical distancing measures at all times
• Keep two metres away from others (e.g. the length of a hockey stick) sitting on the beach and in the water
• Gather in groups of no more than 10 people who are part of your social circle
• Move to the right on the Waterfront trail to make room for others to pass safely.
The City will be taking some additional measures to educate residents and control parking around the Beachway. City of Burlington Park Ambassadors and Parking Enforcement Staff will also be in the vicinity to assist with these measures.
Increased Signage
 Not much more the city can do – if this vehicle got a ticket it amounted to $250. Additional signs will be placed informing visitors of:
• No parking zones, tow away zones
• Cost of parking tickets on signs (where possible)
• “Parking lot full” signs at street entrances
• Physical distancing signs at more locations.
Parking at Beachway Park
Parking spaces at Beachway Park are limited and the lot fills quickly. Visitors are reminded to:
• Consider coming back another time if the parking lot is full, or parking their vehicle in an alternative location where parking is permitted and space exists on the beach to ensure physical distancing
• Avoid parking illegally – City bylaw officers will be enforcing ticketing and towing to discourage overcrowding at the beach.
 By Pepper Parr
July 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the city’s more popular and effective programs has done a quick pivot and adapted to a Covid 19 environment.
Community Support Fund will be providing funding for innovative programs and projects that foster community connections during COVID-19:
This umbrella program will combine existing funding programs to provide financial support to residents and community groups who want to enrich and connect their communities through sport, recreation, art and cultural experiences during COVID-19.
The Community Support Fund temporarily brings together: Love My Hood, the Community Development Fund, The Neighbourhood Matching Fund and the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund. The combined fund will simplify the funding process and make it easier for Burlington residents and community groups to access financial supports and enhance their community’s well being.
 These four fellow got together to improve the condition of the ball park near their school. A community program helped with the funding. The Community Support Fund will help fund a variety of virtual or limited in-person events, programs and projects in Burlington neighbourhoods and communities up to a maximum value of $5000 per application. It is a one-time annual funding program designed to recognize the importance of community during these challenging times. By providing access to funding, the City is looking for innovative ideas to connect and enhance our community.
Eligibility
The Community Support Fund is available to Burlington based:
• Informal, unofficial or formal community-based organizations, not-for-profit, grassroots groups, schools and faith organizations
• Individual persons, artists or community champions.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated monthly by City staff. Proposed projects must:
• Comply with public health and safety measures and any provincial orders
• Demonstrate the goals and outcomes expected from the project
• Explain how the project will benefit the community
• Demonstrate how the funds will be used
• Show how the project aligns with the goal and objectives of the Community Support Fund.
For more information, and to apply for the Community Support Fund, visit burlington.ca/funding.
 Chris Glenn Director of Parks and Recreation for the city. Chris Glenn, Recreation Services Director explains the rationale behind the program: “COVID-19 physical distancing measures have made it very challenging to connect in-person with friends and neighbours these last few months but we know there is still a great desire in the community to want to help each other and gather, in ways that are still safe and comply with provincial orders. With help from the Community Support Fund, we encourage groups and individuals to get creative and think about programs or projects that will give the community new ways of connecting and support our mental and physical well being.”
 By Pepper Parr
July 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
At times it seemed like a gong show.
The Mayor was riding herd on a city council that wasn’t in the Council Chamber.
There was a motion on the floor that was being bombarded with amendments – then amendments on the amendments. A field day for those who tuck Roberts Rules of Order under their pillows.
City Solicitor Nancy Shea Nicol and one of her staff spent a large part of the weekend writing the bylaw – which they then proceeded to re-vise via amendments on the fly.
It was a gong show indeed with Councillor Kearns getting close to emotional when she insisted the the signs that are to go up in every place of business had to point out that three year old children did not have to wear a mask.
At one point Councillor Sharman seemed throw his arms up in despair and say that “sure” I’ll go along with that.
We are going to have to wait for the minutes of the meeting to determine just how many amendments there were.
 The Mayor, an assistant, the City Clerk and the AV person are in the Council chamber – the rest are at home taking part via zoom But City Council did approve a temporary bylaw that makes masks or face coverings mandatory in enclosed spaces open to the public in Burlington, as of July 20, 2020.
All seven members of Council will troop into a ZOOM Regional meeting and perhaps approve something different which would make the Burlington motion mute ?
Mayor Meed Ward was so proud of what her Council had done and said that she felt the Burlington bylaw would become the “gold standard”.
The bylaw is generally consistent with other mask bylaws whereby individuals or organizations that are responsible for operation of businesses or facilities with enclosed (indoor) space open to the public be required to ensure no member of the public is permitted entry or remains on the premises unless wearing a mask or face covering.
Solicitor Shea Nicol said what her office put together was based on the city of Toronto model.
Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, recommends the use of face coverings when physical distancing could be a challenge and is supportive of municipalities implementing bylaws that aim to increase the use of face coverings as an additional layer of protection to control COVID-19 in the community.
The new bylaw applies to all indoor spaces that are openly accessible to the public, including:
• retail stores
• convenience stores
• malls, shopping plazas
• grocery stores, bakeries, farmer’s markets (enclosed areas)
• restaurants, bars (when permitted to open for indoor service)
• indoor recreational facilities (unless exempted)
• libraries
• community centres
• community service agencies
• personal service settings
• churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and faith settings
• art galleries, museums
• banquet halls, convention centres, arenas and other event spaces
• real estate facilities such as open house, presentation centres
• common areas in hotels, motels and short-term rentals (e.g. lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms)
• entertainment facilities including concert venues, theatres and cinemas
• business offices open to the public
Although masks are widely available in retails stores and online retailers, plans are being developed for residents who are unable to purchase their own masks.
Exemptions and Exceptions
The bylaw includes exemptions for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons including mental health concerns, children under the age of three and other reasonable accommodations.
Children under three years of age should never be required to wear a mask or face covering.
The bylaw also permits the temporary removal of a mask or face covering when receiving services, having a meal or engaging in athletic or fitness activity. The bylaw does not apply to apartment buildings and condominiums, child care facilities and schools, and areas that are not enclosed (i.e. restaurant patios).
Adjusting to the mandatory mask bylaw will take some time. Residents are encouraged to be kind and compassionate with each other, and to approach fellow community members who may not be wearing a mask with understanding and offers of assistance, rather than judgement.
To report an incident of noncompliance, contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.
As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward – sitting as Chair of a City Council meeting. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward gets the last word: “The situation around this pandemic changes daily and as new information emerges, we must be ready to respond quickly. We recently learned of our ability to pass a bylaw, and with the support of Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, we believe passing a temporary mandatory mask bylaw is another way to keep our community healthy and safe as we restart our economy and open more activities to the public. Halton Region will also be considering a bylaw on July 15, but we can’t wait. Passing our own helps us ensure the bylaw meets the needs of our local community. There will be exemptions and we will take an educational approach to enforcement, with ticketing as a last resort.
I implore everyone to treat each other with kindness and compassion, and not shame or stigmatize those who have legitimate reasons for being unable to wear masks. This has been democracy in action, based on health evidence and advice. I want to thank everyone who provided feedback. We tried to reflect the support, as well as the concerns we heard in this bylaw proposal.”
By Staff
July 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
With construction recently wrapping up on the Park & Ride lot at Highway 407 and Dundas Street, transit users now have access to new bus platforms that will provide access to GO, Oakville and Burlington transit services.
For instance, customers looking to connect to the Lakeshore West GO Train line could grab a GO bus at the new Park & Ride that will take them to Burlington GO Station and onto downtown Toronto.
Day trips to Niagara Falls have also become easier, with the Route 12 GO bus making all stops from Union Station to Niagara Falls GO, including a stop at Confederation GO Station in Hamilton.
 Eight bus platform bays will allow for even more options to get you to your destination. (Metrolinx photo)
The good news doesn’t stop there either, the existing Route 40 GO bus to Toronto Pearson International Airport added a stop at this lot back in January, providing an option to park, ride and fly for up to five days without the expense of airport parking.
Highway 407 and Dundas Park & Ride Facts
Features more than 300 additional parking spots
Eight bus platform bays
Two bus layover bays
Improved lighting throughout the lot and pedestrian stair access directly to Dundas Street.
 The new lot includes an additional 300 parking spaces, for a total of 403 spots (Metrolinx photo) Access to and from the stop has also been made easier with three new kiss and ride lanes, pedestrian connections, two new enclosed bus shelters with heating and lighting and a bike shelter.
The City of Burlington is also working to improve commuter experience. Work to finalize installation of new sidewalks along the nearby Palladium Way is expected to wrap up later this month.
 By Staff
July 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Large parts of the province are being moved to Stage 3 of the Emergency Control measures in place – but the Burlington and the other Halton Region municipalities are not on the list.
This afternoon the Ontario government announced nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen in Stage 3 of the province’s reopening framework with public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place.
As Ontario continues down the path to economic recovery, decisions were made on which regions will enter Stage 3 in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts and based on trends of key public health indicators.
“Our success in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and getting Ontario to a place where we are ready to reopen most of the province is a testament to the hard work of business owners, individuals and families right across the province,” said Premier Ford. “So many have stepped up and played by the rules, demonstrating that we can restart our economy safely and responsibly. Small actions can make a big difference. Now more than ever, we must continue to follow the public health advice to preserve the progress we have made together.”
As part of the Stage 3 reopening, Ontario will be increasing gathering limits for those regions entering the next stage to the following:
• Indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people;
• Outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people;
• Gathering limits are subject to physical distancing requirements.
Public gathering limits apply to indoor and outdoor events, such as community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, conferences, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals or open houses. A two metre distance must still be maintained at such events.
Regions remaining in Stage 2 will maintain the existing gathering limit of 10. Social circles in all stages at this point will also be kept to a maximum of 10 people province-wide, regardless of stage.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health, public health experts and other officials have advised the following, high-risk places and activities are not yet safe to open, even if a region has entered Stage 3, due to the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID 19:
• Amusement parks and water parks;
• Buffet-style food services;
• Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements;
• Overnight stays at camps for children;
• Private karaoke rooms;
• Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports;
• Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars;
• Table games at casinos and gaming establishments.
The province is committed to working closely and collaboratively with businesses and sectors not yet able to reopen or who are experiencing significant challenges for reopening due to Stage 3 restrictions.
These businesses can visit Ontario.ca/reopen to work with the government on a reopening proposal that will enable them to safely resume or increase operations. Government and public health officials will review proposals and contact businesses for feedback or clarifications.
Expect Regional Chair Gary Carr to be all over that opportunity. Halton has had very low infection growth
The following public health unit regions will be allowed to move into Stage 3 first, on Friday, July 17, 2020:
• Algoma Public Health
• Brant County Health Unit
• Chatham-Kent Public Health
• Eastern Ontario Health Unit
• Grey Bruce Health Unit
• Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
• Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
• Huron Perth Public Health
• Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health
• Leeds Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
• Middlesex-London Health Unit
• North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
• Northwestern Health Unit
• Ottawa Public Health
• Peterborough Public Health
• Porcupine Health Unit
• Public Health Sudbury & Districts
• Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
• Renfrew County and District Health Unit
• Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit
• Southwestern Public Health
• Thunder Bay District Health Unit
• Timiskaming Health Unit
• Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
Businesses and municipalities will be permitted to enter Stage 3 based on their region and, as in the previous stages, may choose to take more time before reopening. The list of regions that will remain in Stage 2, visit Ontario.ca/reopen. FIX HERE
At the beginning of each week, the province will continue to reassess local trends in public health indicators, including rates of transmission, hospital capacity, progress on testing and contact tracing, to determine if additional public health unit regions can progress to Stage 3.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened or reapplied.
As the province safely and gradually enters Stage 3, child care centres and home child care providers across Ontario will be able to continue to operate with strict safety and operational requirements in place. Beginning on July 27, 2020, child care centres will be permitted to operate with cohorts of 15 children, which is an increase from the current cohort cap of 10. This change will allow parents to return to work, and bring the child care sector to approximately 90 per cent of its operating capacity before the COVID-19 outbreak.
The government, in partnership with health and safety associations, has released over 170 guidance resources at Ontario.ca/COVIDsafety to help employers in multiple sectors ― including fitness, restaurant and food services, and the performing arts ― keep spaces safe for workers and customers. Guidance will be available for all spaces permitted to open in Stage 3. As they prepare to reopen, employers are strongly advised to review and implement appropriate measures to help protect their communities.
Based on community needs, some municipalities and local medical officers of health have implemented more restrictions or requirements, such as mandatory face coverings in commercial establishments and all indoor public places. Check your local public health unit’s or local municipality’s website.
By Staff
July 13th,2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington residents will have another chance to connect, socialize and be active as redesigned Adult 19+ and Adult 55+ recreational activities are now set to safely resume with a small selection of activities on July 27, 2020 at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre and Central Park.
Residents can view program offerings online at burlington.ca/summer.
Registrations will be accepted starting July 20 at 9 a.m. and can be done online at liveandplay.burlington.ca. Residents who do not have access to technology and are unable to register online can call 905-335-7738. Please note those you may experience longer than usual wait times in the phone queue; limited spots will be reserved initially for phone registrations.
Due to program size restrictions and precautions, summer programs have a limited number of spots available. From July 20 to July 22, participants can only register for two programs. On July 23, participants can register for additional programs. This temporary restriction is to allow for phone registrations. Only residents of Burlington will be able to register for the summer session.
Programs
Five-day program sessions for Adults 55+ will start each Monday and run for five consecutive weekdays in one of three rooms in the Burlington Seniors’ Centre. Programs include learning and discussion series, bridge strategy classes, group music lessons and jam sessions, arts and wellness programs.
Fitness programs for Adults 19+ or 55+ will move to outdoor open spaces behind Central Arena and to locations close to Rotary Youth Centre at 560 Guelph Line. Fitness programs include toning, stretching and wellness classes will be held during cooler morning and evening times each weekday. Outdoor Fitness Programs will run rain or shine and will only be cancelled and refunded due to extreme weather including high winds, thunder or lightning. Dress for conditions required.
 Participants must bring their own equipment. There will be no sharing equipment between participants or using BSC materials.
New Procedures at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre
The health and safety of Burlington residents is of the utmost importance. In compliance with the Provincial Guidelines for opening facilities and for the health and safety of all guests, the following standards will be in effect:
• Stay home if you are feeling ill or have been in contact with someone who is ill
• Participants must complete a health screening questionnaire each day, one hour before the start of the program. To complete it online, go to burlington.ca/screening. Assistance will be available for those who need help completing it.
• Masks will be required by all staff and participants at all times in indoor programs and highly recommended in outdoor programs. Individual consideration will be given to participants requiring alternate but similarly effective personal protection, provided staff have approved the alternate PPE prior to program session start dates
• Physical distancing will be maintained in all programs
• Group sizes will remain within regulations
• Program offerings reflect those that best fit within permitted activities, timeframes and cleaning requirements
• Equipment sharing or lending will be eliminated in lieu of Bring Your Own supplies
• Pedestrian traffic flow will be designated and distance markers will be in place in all locations
• All personal belongings will be required to be kept with participants at all times
• Planning ahead is encouraged to reduce the need for washroom use. Washrooms will be available to one guest at a time
• Change rooms will not be available and use of washrooms for changing is not permitted
• Bistro Express will only offer curbside pickup with cashless payment. Pre-order by 10 a.m. for same-day packaging and curbside pickup available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For menu options or to place an order, call 905-335-7888, ext. 6346
• The BSC will open 15 mins before class start times when staff will assist registered participants with entry to program rooms. Access to the Centre will not be available to non-participants. The facility will be closed following each program period to allow for deep cleaning
Virtual Festivals and events ahead
Based on the Province’s restrictions on group sizes and social gatherings due to COVID-19, the City will continue to investigate and implement virtual celebrations where possible. Given the recent success of the City’s virtual Canada Day event, City staff are exploring virtual Remembrance Day and Santa Claus Parade options. All in-person festivals and events will be cancelled until the provincial group size is increased to 1,000 people.
As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington app.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “Given the huge success of the TelePALS program, virtual programming will also continue – allowing residents the choice of what services they feel most comfortable participating in. I know our residents are looking forward to gradually being able to meet in person, and staff has introduced measures to keep participants safe. ”
 Denise Beard, Acting Director of Recreation Services Denise Beard, Acting Director of Recreation Services explains that: “Being able to connect and socialize can be a challenge during a pandemic so we hope that our redesigned programs will offer a much-needed boost to those looking to be active and social while staying safe. Online registration will offer the quickest way of registering but we will also hold some spaces specifically for telephone registrations for those who cannot access or are not comfortable online.”
By Pepper Parr
July 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Premier is expected to announce today that he will move to Stage 3 and open things up in some parts of the province. Halton is expected to be part of what gets opened wider – people may be able to return to work and the commercial world might be able to open up more of their space.
 While returning to work is important to getting our economy working closer to its potential – the issue for many is – what happens in September when the kids are normally returning to school.
Will the schools be open?
For how long each day?
What measures are being taken to ensure that those students are as safe as they can be?
There is a lot that is unknown about the COVID17 virus and the way it impacts younger people.
 Halton District School Board Director of Education Stuart Miller. Thursday evening the Mayor is hold another of her Telephone Town Halls – this time the Halton District School Board Director of Education will be on the line.
This will be the first opportunity for parents to put questions to someone who can tell you as much as anyone about how schools will be operated come September.
How to Participate
Residents who would like to participate in the town hall can do so in the following ways:
1. Register in advance: Burlington residential phone numbers will be randomly selected to be part of the telephone town hall. Residents who would like to be added to the telephone call list can email getinvolved@burlington.ca by the end of the day on July 14.
Please note: if you registered for any of the previous town halls (held on March 26, April 14 or June 4), you are not required to register your phone number a second time. To remove a name from the call list, email getinvolved@burlington.ca by the end of the day on July 14.
2. Join by telephone: Anyone who does not receive a telephone invitation can call 1-800-410-5909 just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 to join the town hall. For those individuals calling in, please be advised more than one attempt may be required due to the high volume of traffic on the phone lines. If the first call does not connect, please hang up and dial the 1-800 number again.
Once the call begins, a moderator will provide participants with instructions for how to submit their questions to the leadership panel.
By Pepper Parr
July 13, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Tax due dates are be made a little longer, there are deferrals, and there is tax money that is just not coming in
On the other side of the ledger the expenses are not as high. All the part time people were laid off, there was no transit money coming in nor was there much revenue on the Parks and Recreation side
The books were pretty messy.
Treasurer Joan Ford prepared a presentation for a Standing Committee lat week and put two critical numbers forward. $18,091,423.00 and $4,017,732.00
The eighteen million is the total revenue losses and COVID related costs.
The four million is what the Treasurer expects to see as the shortfall – money the city will not have to to pay its bills.
Somehow Mayor Marianne Meed Ward convinced herself that the city was $18 million in the hole. She called it the “delta”.
There was also an Expenditure Restraint amount of $6,572,127 and Other operational savings of $3,330,272.
When these two are added to the withdrawals from Program Specific Reserve funds the shortfall of $4,017,732 which the Finance people are confident can be made up by withdrawing from other reserve funds.
 This graph sets out where the revenue didn’t come from.  Treasurer Joan Ford did point out that treasurers are usually comfortable with total reserves of 15% – those total reserves are now at the 9% level. They are going to have to be built back up at some point.
The general message was that while things are tight – the city feels that they will come though the COVID pandemic with some change in their pockets.
Property tax collection did take a hit – some of the larger properties were either not able to pay their taxes the way they had in the past, several took advantage of the deferral program.
Many of the smaller businesses just didn’t have the cash flow. Burlington has always followed a lenient approach to the collection of taxes – they bend over backwards to help a property owner get their taxes paid. Treasurer Joan Ford told Council that in al her years wit the city they have only had to force the sale of a piece of property because the taxes were not paid.
 Data on the property tax collection level. That assumes that things do not get worse – and with the current COVID situation – they just don’t know where things will be in 60 days.
The Treasury people have worked both long and hard and very creatively to keep the financial situation quite stable.
 By Staff
July 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Conservation Halton advises that some areas of the watershed received over 25 mm of rain generated from the weather system that passed through our jurisdiction last night. Environment Canada continues to have a Special Weather Statement in effect for our area and advises that the development of thunderstorms is possible this afternoon producing local rainfall rates of 25 mm to 50 mm per hour before the system tapers off later tonight.
Soil conditions within the watershed are saturated from recent rainfall and any additional rainfall will runoff into our rivers and streams. The combination of increased flows and water levels and slippery and unstable banks will create hazardous conditions close to any rivers, streams, or other water bodies.
Widespread flooding is not anticipated. Our reservoirs are still in range of our seasonal holding levels and have storage capacity available. However, fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas and natural floodplains may be expected. Further, heavy downpours associated with thunderstorms could result in flooding of highly urbanized areas. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should be on alert.
 Water levels in watershed creeks will rise significantly during the weekend. Caution around the edges of creeks – especially with children. Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream flow and weather conditions and will issue further messages as necessary. This Flood Outlook Statement will be in effect through Sunday July 12, 2020.
 By Staff
July 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Was it the hot hot weather? Did tempers get lost?
It has been some time since Burlington saw this level of violence with weapons.
The Regional police report a double shooting on Plans Road East at 1:00 pm this afternoon.
Shortly after 1:00 pm the police received reports of a shooting at 484 Plains Road East in Burlington. When officers arrived on scene, two victims with gunshot wounds were located outside of an establishment.
Information from witnesses indicates that one male suspect fled the scene westbound on Plains Road East in a grey sedan.
One of the shooting victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene. A second victim was transported to hospital for treatment for gunshot wounds.
At this time, no suspect(s) have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. Area residents and businesses should expect a heavy police presence throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
There is no immediate ongoing, related, known threat to public safety.
Plains Road East is closed in both directions between King Road and Waterdown Road. Please avoid the area until further notice.
Investigators are appealing for dash cam and/or commercial or residential surveillance footage from the area between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm on July 10, and to any witnesses or anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 905-825-4777 or via the Homicide Tip Line at 905-825-4776.
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.
Related news:
Police chief makes the news.
 By Pepper Parr
July 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Dear Chief – you got sucked into the undertow when all you wanted was a short dip. Now you stand the chance of drowning.
 Chief of Police Steve Tanner once said: Social Media is not the same as a 911 call. He was absolutely right. The 911 world is his domain. There are things you can do and can’t do.
You can’t be seen at the race track too often.
If you fancy a fun game of poker – make sure it is with Judges and Crown Prosecutors.
You live in a rarefied world – we put you there because we expect you to be sold, upright and always setting that next to perfect example.
But then you responded to a tweet on a political issue and they dumped on you from every angle.
It was described to me as an “interesting fight on twitter between Jagmeet Singh and Chief Tanner.
Chief Tanner’s original comments. The back and forth is lengthy – interesting stuff though.
Sources are telling us that “Chief Tanner has used his office for partisan attacks before.” I don’t believe that for a second.
But having that kind of comment being made does nothing for you even though you are a big boy with broad shoulders. The thing that has to be defended is the integrity of the office you hold.
Politics can be a slimy world; nothing there for you.
Pepper Parr is the publisher of the Burlington Gazette. He has observed Chief Stephen Tanner since the day he was sworn in. He earned a degree in psychology from the University of Guelph.
By Pepper Parr
July 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Regional Chair Gary Carr – as proud as a new father over the credit/bond rating There is one duty Regional Chair Gary Carr carries out every year – and that is announcing how good the Region’s credit rating is.
He used to brag that Halton had a better bond rating than the United States of America.
The Gazette used to find that annual bond rating level amusing – who cares?
We all care – especially at this time of huge declines in revenue and expenses that were not even thought about.
The municipalities are going to need money. The rules say that funds cannot be borrowed for operating costs. That may change – for these are changing times.
When a municipality has to borrow they send their needs to the Region – it is the Region that goes to the market with a bond offering thus the Region’s credit rating is what matters.
 The Region is the banker on the bond side for the municipalities. Halton Region’s AAA credit rating affirmed by S&P Global Ratings
Last month S&P Global Ratings affirmed its top credit rating for Halton Region. Their research summary praises the Region’s strong fiscal policies and budgetary performance while confirming its confidence in Halton’s ability to uphold this standing into the future despite impacts from COVID-19.
“Receiving this AAA Credit Rating from S&P Global Ratings confirms our strong financial position—the result of diligent planning and transparent reporting—which helps us support a high quality of life in Halton,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr.
“This top credit rating will allow us to support ongoing investments in infrastructure while ensuring top value for taxpayer dollars, and we are proud to have earned this distinction for another year.”
Maintaining a top credit rating provides Halton and its Local Municipalities with continued access to the best capital financing rates available, which minimizes long-term infrastructure capital financing costs. As a result, public funds go further when invested in Regional works that help improve essential services in the community, such as road, water and wastewater projects.
S&P’s rating analysis included the following rationale in support of the AAA rating:
 Consistent growth in the community housing sector of the Region keeps bond/credit rating agencies happy. • steady population growth, high income levels, and a broad economy foster stability in the Region’s property tax base despite the negative impact from COVID-19;
• prudent financial management practices and solid economic base;
• excellent budget performance and limiting debt issuance; and
• exceptional liquidity position and satisfactory access to external liquidity for financing needs.
The Region has maintained top credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings (AAA) since 2002 and Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa) since 1989—a successful track record of more than 30 years. Earning this distinction from both agencies each year is a key objective of Halton’s annual Budget and Business Plan.
 By Pepper Parr
July 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Margaret Trudeau at a WE Charity event. The Prime Minister’s mother, Margaret Trudeau, gets paid $250,000 to speak at WE Charity; his brother is also paid, much less, to speak at WE events.
The federal government awarded a contract to the WE Charity to distribute federal funds to students who perform volunteer work during the current pandemic crisis.
They were to distribute $900 million of federal money and earn a fee of $19.5 million to manage the program.
The organization had no experience in distributing funds nor did they have the staff in place to administer a program of that size.
And the Prime Minister does not recuse himself from the Cabinet meeting that approved the contract and votes for it as well.
And a day later the Globe and Mail cannot get any comment from a single Cabinet Minister or their spokes people?
And this is Ok?
 Brothers Marc and Craig Kielburger on the extreme left and right with Sophie Gregoire and Prime Minister Trudeau at a WE event. This is not the time to dump the current Prime Minister but this is the time for leaders within the Liberal Party to begin thinking when a leadership convention can take place to find someone who know what a conflict of interest is.
 Is the Prime Minister just this much offside on the WE Charity mess? Karina Gould, Burlington MP and member of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister said that he did not recuse himself and he voted for the contract to WE. Traditionally Cabinet votes are secret – but the Prime Minister did break that rule. Perhaps Burlington MP Karina Gould will reveal how she voted at Cabinet.
We fully expect Burlington MP and member of the Trudeau Cabinet Karina Gould to be wearing a face mask when she is out and about the city. She should see it as a mask to cover the shame she should be experiencing.
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
July 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor wasn’t all that keen on the idea of wearing a face mask.
She published her views in her A Better Burlington Newsletter.
She got trashed by well over 100 people.
The Mayor took another look at the issues and days later published a longer piece in the same Newsletter – this time setting out more reasons than you could imagine as to who was requiring masks and who wasn’t
 Medical Officer of Health tells the Mayor that masks won’t hurt. The Mayor then turned to the Medical Officer of Health for guidance.
Nothing wrong with wearing cloth masks, said the MOH
The Mayor then decided she would put a motion before Council – see what happens.
Problem was, Councillor Stolte had a motion of her own in the works; one she had developed with the help of the City Manager, the City Solicitor and dozens of other people.
The Mayor and the Councillor had a sit down – the Councillor won but to make nice they put out a motion sponsored by the two of them
That motion got debated today and passed at a Standing Committee meeting that heard some really weird delegations.
Every member of Council voted to put a temporary bylaw in place requiring people to wear a mask in public places. And kicked in $10,000 to pay for masks for people who were short on the cash side.
What next?
 The Mayor wearing a mask outside city hall, either early today or yesterday. A photo op for the Mayor wearing a bright red mask with people from Burlington Together.
The Mayor finally sniffed the scent of change.
Is the picture a one off? Only time will tell.
The bylaw gets voted at Council on Monday.
By Pepper Parr
July 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a full day’s work for members of city council today – they began at 9:30 and were at it up until just before six pm with a break for some lunch.
They met as a Standing Committee then got serious and met as a council.
We got a look at what the pandemic is costing us – on paper it comes to $18 million – in reality the city finance department has to find $4 million, give or take some change.
The Mayor seemed wedded to that $18 million number. The full finance picture is a seperate story.
The stinker is the situation at the Beachway where fines of $250 are going to be handed out for those who park where cars aren’t supposed to park.
There is going to be additional signage; there will be additional staff on hand. A motion was passed at the City Council meeting – held at the close of the Standing Committee meeting making it all legal.
The problems is – few will know what took place – the city might get some media out and while the Gazette has a large, very large readership – all of the Burlington market area isn’t a regular reader – yet.
During the debate on the Beachway parking problem we learned that the Parks and Recreation department doesn’t know how many parking spots there are – nor does it appear to know just how many people the Beach can accommodate – COVID or pre-COVID. No one has done any counting or measuring.
Council came close to forgetting to make the plans for managing parking illegal. City Manager Tim Commisso spotted the error, brought it to the attention of the Chair who went through some procedural issues and resolved that issue.
Park your car in the wrong place and you will be giving the city a lot of your money.
The city has come to realize that the Beachway is getting to be as popular as it was several decades ago.
 Recent crowds at the western end of the Beachway. Recently the crowds near the western end were very thick. Compare our news photography with the way it was 30 years ago when a railway line ran along the edge of the lake.
Parks and Recreation decided to take a long term look and decided that some way had to be found to manage the vehicle traffoic and approved the following Staff Direction.
 Not certain how Burlingtonians will take to making reservations and then paying to park. During the debate it was suggested that Burlingtonians would pay a lesser fee.
A lot of people are going to show up and be told that there is no room for them to park and be turned away.
The initiative for finding a way to limit parking in public parks came from Conservation Halton where the problem was not just the number of people visiting the Conservation parks but the need for more in the way of income.
The City doesn’t seem to go after more revenue – at least not yet.
By Pepper Parr
July 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Well – they passed it at Standing Committee.
After three solid hours of debate during which one delegation suggested that the views of the average citizen should take precedence over the views of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH).
The same delegation asked where the MOH was getting her information.
Jim Young did a solid delegation for a bylaw that would make face masks mandatory with a long list of exceptions.
The intention is to pass the bylaw at city council on the 13th – it will include an allotment of $10,000 to cover the cost of masks for those who can’t afford one.
 The community produced 3000 cloth masks – cost free to anyone who needed one – that was two months ago. The Gazette lead an initiative that provided 3,000 cloth face masks to the community months ago. That initiative involved hundreds of volunteer hours put in before each mask was quarantined for 72 hours and given to anyone who wanted one.
Councillors Stolte and Galbraith handed out masks to people in their wards.
What struck us as we listened to the debate that really did go on and on – and on, was that we have yet to see a photograph with the Mayor wearing a mask.
We always thought that one led by example.
 Chair Rory Nisan hands his hands full keeping the debate on topic. Rory Nisan serving as chair did a solid job of trying to keep the discussion on topic – he didn’t always succeed – the cats just were not going to be herded.Come Monday we will have a bylaw – what it will say isn’t clear yet.
The one point made during the debate was that the anything COVID19 related was very fluid – changes by the hour.
The vote was 7-0
By Pepper Parr
July 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In her A Better Burlington newsletter Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “We received great news from the Province today giving municipal councils the ability to meet electronically and allow proxy votes, allowing court proceedings to be conducted electronically and other measures that will now be permanent post-COVID-19.”
Meeting virtually has limited public participation in the proceedings of council significantly which seems to be acceptable to the current council.
The balance of her newsletter is set out below.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward at a Council meeting. “I had the privilege today of joining mayors across Ontario on a conference call with Premier Doug Ford and the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to hear directly from them about the changes, and additional measures outlined in the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act.
“These were also outlined in a letter sent to heads of council (Minister’s Letter – COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act – 8 July 2020), and a media release available here.
“Last week, the Halton Regional Chair, on behalf of the four mayors and municipalities of Halton, wrote to the Premier to ask for these changes to be made permanent. To read that letter, click here: Halton Region Chair Letter to Premier re Virtual Meetings – June 29 2020.
“Halton municipalities have been holding virtual meetings throughout the pandemic with great success to conduct the business of our municipalities while continuing to serve our residents and provide opportunities for important public input.
“The Province heard us.
“We are still going through the legislation that covers a range of matters on development, economic recovery, and changes to the community benefits charges. Some of these include changes to the existing Minister’s zoning order to provide more certainty when fast-tracking the development of transit-oriented communities; making it faster to update and harmonize the Building Code so that we can break down interprovincial trade barriers; and permanently establishing the office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator to help solve complex land-use issues.
“My team and city staff are still going through the legislation and we’ll provide more details in the coming days, but what we’ve reviewed so far shows the Province has listened to mayors and municipal councils and made positive steps forward.
“This is great news, and I would personally like to thank Premier Ford and Minister Clark for consulting with us, listening and making changes.
“Today’s announcement is important in ensuring the safety of members of Councils, staff and the public while we continue our business of serving our communities.”
 By Staff
July 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
North Shore Boulevard will be fully closed in both directions for bridge demolition work beginning Saturday, July 18 at 10 p.m., until Sunday, July 19 at 10 a.m.
The closure will extend from the traffic signal on the east side of the QEW to the traffic signal on the west side of the QEW. This work is part of MTO Contract No. 2018-2015 (HWY QEW South of Fairview Street to North of Lakeshore Road).
Access ramps from Northshore Boulevard westbound to Toronto and Northshore Boulevard eastbound to Niagara will remain open.
By Pepper Parr
July 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Sit down for this one.
At a meeting on Thursday Council is going to consider the following motion. It contains seven Whereas’s.
The essence of the motion that is sponsored by ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte and Mayor Marianne Meed Ward is for Council to enact a temporary bylaw requiring individuals, organizations or corporations that are responsible for the operation of a facility or business, which have indoor, enclosed spaces open to the public, to ensure no member of the public is permitted unless wearing a mask or face covering in a manner which covers their mouth, nose and chin, subject to the exemptions below, to help limit the spread of COVID-19
The movers of the motion also want the city to spend up to $10,000 to cover the cost of free masks to those who cannot afford one.
 The movers of a motion to make face masks mandatory in public places The complete motion is set out below. It is, at this point, just a motion. It has to be debated and voted upon and then sent to a meeting of city council on the 13th where it will have to be approved.
Recommendation:
1. Council approve the following motion:
WHEREAS the spread of COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the City of Burlington has declared a State of Emergency, and the province remains under emergency orders due to the health risks to Ontario residents arising from COVID-19; and
WHEREAS COVID-19 continues to be present within the City of Burlington and surrounding municipalities, and is a disease that is readily communicable from person to person, even with minimal or no signs of symptoms or illness, and carrying a risk of serious complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure, mulitiple organ failure, kidney failure, liver failure, neurological complications, and may result in death; and
WHEREAS there is a growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of masks and face coverings to act as a barrier to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS the wearing of masks and face coverings may act as an ongoing visual clue and reminder that public health measures, including hand-washing and maintaining a safe physical distance from others, are still required, that the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and that a resurgence of local disease activity remains an ongoing threat; and
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has enacted O. Reg.263/20 (Stage 2 Closures) under Subsection 7.0.2 (4) of Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to permit certain businesses to reopen for attendance by members of the public subject to conditions, including the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials; and
WHEREAS physical distancing can be difficult to maintain in enclosed, indoor spaces open to the public; and
WHEREAS the City of Burlington wants to be prepared for the eventual Stage 3 reopenings under the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and use every tool available to protect residents from a resurgence of COVID-19.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Burlington City Council enact a temporary bylaw requiring individuals, organizations or corporations that are responsible for the operation of a facility or business, which have indoor, enclosed spaces open to the public, to ensure no member of the public is permitted unless wearing a mask or face covering in a manner which covers their mouth, nose and chin, subject to the exemptions below, to help limit the spread of COVID-19; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the operator of such facilities or businesses that are open to the public, shall conspicuously post at all entrances to the facility or business clearly visible signage outlining the requirements and exemptions of this bylaw; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that members of the public attending facilities or businesses that are open to the public shall wear a mask or face covering in a manner which covers their mouth, nose and chin, subject to the exemptions below, and unless it is reasonably required to temporarily remove the covering to access services provided by the establishment, or while actively engaging in an athletic or fitness acuity during physical activity, and exemptions may be accommodated if:
a. The person is under three years of age.
b. The person has an underlying medical condition or developmental disability which inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering, or other physical disability whereby the wearing of a mask or face covering would limit their ability to reasonably communicate with others.
c. Wearing a face covering would inhibit the person’s ability to breathe in any way.
d. The person is unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance.
e. Employees and agents of the person responsible for the establishment are within an area designated for them and not for public access, or within or behind a physical barrier.
f. Staff identify any other such exemptions that may be advisable.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that employees working with members of the public in an enclosed, indoor space must also wear a mask or face covering, unless they are in an area not for public access, or they meet one of the exemptions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that employees or members of the public shall not be required to provide proof of any of the exemptions set out herein; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the bylaw apply to all City of Burlington indoor facilities open to the public such as community centres, city hall, libraries, art gallery, performing arts centre, and public transit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the bylaw be in force for a temporary period of time, beginning July 20 and expiring September 30, 2020, unless extended or revoked by City Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Director of Legal Services & Corporation Counsel be directed to prepare the necessary bylaw for consideration by City Council on July 13, 2020; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Corporate Communications & Government Relations be directed to develop a communications campaign during the first month the bylaw comes into force and effect to assist residents and businesses to understand the bylaw and exemptions, assist with voluntary compliance, and where people can acquire masks; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that council request that the Region of Halton present a mandatory mask bylaw for consideration by Regional Council at its meeting of July 15, 2020 to ensure consistency across the region; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that council request the Province of Ontario to enact a mandatory mask order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for those regions that have entered Stage 2 reopening, and/or will enter Stage 3 reopening; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that council request the Government of Canada to enact a mandatory mask policy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this report be circulated to the Region of Halton, Towns of Halton Hills, Oakville and Milton, all Halton Members of Provincial Parliament, Members of Parliament, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
2. Direct the Chief Financial Officer to establish an initial grant of $10,000 to provide non-medical masks free of charge for community members who lack the financial means to purchase them, via application and submission of receipts, funded from the city’s COVID-19 account, and direct the City Manager’s Office to report back to the August 13, 2020 Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee on a plan for providing masks to in-need community members including such additional options as:
a. seeking a sponsor to fund or procure/provide masks that would be supplied free of charge to the public, with the sponsor and/or city logo displayed on the mask, and distributed by the city or through the sponsor;
b. issuing a request for proposals to local businesses to provide a quote on the cost to supply the city with masks that can be distributed to the public, either by the city or by the business, then billed to the city;
c. purchasing masks that can be distributed to members of the public, on a request basis, or made available at the entry to city facilities, once opened;
d. providing grant funding to residents to purchase their own mask, subject to quantity and cost limitations, and an application process;
e. other options as they may arise.
3. Direct the City Manager to report back to the August 13, 2020 Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee on potential grant funding for businesses and commercial establishments to assist with the cost of signage and masks as mandated by this bylaw, retroactive to the effective in-force date of the bylaw, subject to appropriate criteria.
4. That City Council seek matching funding from Halton Region at 50% or more of total costs to implement assistance to residents and businesses, given the Region’s role in health care delivery, social service delivery and business supports.
By Pepper Parr
July 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor was in a bit of a bind.
She was, uncharacteristically, tip toeing around the issue of face masks.
 Mayor Meed Ward at a council meeting before things went virtual In her most recent public comment the Mayor set out a lot of rationale and examples of what other municipalities were doing. But she still hadn’t taken a strong position.
She followed that up by saying that the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) wasn’t on side – so she, the Mayor, wasn’t going to take a position.
The Gazette published a very strong opinion piece on that.
When it became evident that there wasn’t much in the way of support for the Mayor’s indecision (Social media was crucifying her) she announced that she was going to put forward a motion requiring people to wear face masks in specific situations.
Hold on chimed in ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stole, who is proving to be a rather strong first term councillor. She was the one who pushed for turning some of the road space over to pedestrians – and that is what we have.
Stolte felt very strong that face masks should be required in public places. Transit requires that riders wear a mask; one 9f the major supermarkets asks people to wear a mask.
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte: bringing a stronger sense of purpose to council that was not seen when she was elected. Stolte felt that the Mayor was undercutting her initiative and she decided, after a flurry of emails between the two, that a face to face meeting was necessary. That is believed to have taken place last Sunday.
Prior to the Sunday meeting, in an email to a resident Councillor Stolte said:
“I am sitting in my office as we speak finishing my Motion to Council seeking Mandating the Wearing of Masks in all indoor spaces that are accessible to the public.
“I had advised the Mayor and other Councillors repeatedly since June 23 that I would be advocating for a Mandatory Mask Bylaw as I am completely on the same page as yourself and 85% of the population of Burlington.
“The decision announced by the Mayor this past Tuesday was a complete surprise to all of us on Council as there had been no input or conversation about the issue prior to the announcement.
“This has resulted in very intense conversations between the Mayor and myself about respect and the decision making process.
“My Motion will still be coming forward this week, there is certainly not consensus on Council, so not sure how the vote will go.
The Mayor announced this morning that she will be bringing her own Motion (different theme than mine) to Council as well this week, so I just finished an email to the City Clerk asking what the procedural process is for this particular conflict.
“We continue to be in interesting times, but I promise you I will be pushing for this.
“By the way, if you have (name redacted) email could you please forward this message to him as well.”
The two worked something out – because today we see a very lengthy motion sponsored by the two woman (with the name of the Councillor placed before that of the Mayor (and that stuff matters in the worlds of politics)
“We have heard from our community and together” said the Mayor in her Newsletter, “we are bringing forward a proposed mandatory mask bylaw for Burlington. It will be discussed at the July 9 Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability (CSSRA) Committee, with a final vote at council Monday July 13. The proposed temporary bylaw would mandate the wearing of face coverings in all indoor, public spaces in the City of Burlington.
How did they get to his point and are the issues between the Mayor and her Council patched up? Hard to tell.
 They all loved her on election night. It looks as if the Councillor and the Mayor ironed out the differences. Those differences are not between just Stolte and Meed Ward. There have been concerns about the Mayor not working with the Council members and not giving them the respect they believe they have earned.
The five members of council elected in October of 2018 wanted to pull together and not only be seen to be working together but actually working together.
How did the Mayor square things with the Councillor who was not a happy camper. We may never know – only time will tell if the Mayor has the capacity to listen to the members of Council.
Not what we thought we were electing as Mayor that October 18th was it?
|
|
