Every bus rider has their own story. Part 2

opinionviolet 100x100By Lawson Hunter

April 20th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Lawson Hunter is an observer; people watching is a hobby.  He chose to watch people who ride buses – this is part 2 of his experience.

bus - reading from screen

This is not a distracted driving offence.

Yes there are a lot of interesting people that ride the bus, each with their own story about how and why they take transit. I don’t usually plunk myself beside people and strike up a conversation. I tend to sit and read or look out the window, but I wanted to learn more about my fellow passengers so I spent a few days riding on a number of buses throughout the city. I gathered up my courage and introduced myself as a writer doing a story about people like – us.

Many, many years ago, when I was a high school student, in another city, I didn’t have much choice when it came to getting around town. It was either the bus or walk. Things have changed a bit since then but judging by the number of students I see riding the bus each day, it’s still a fact of life and no one seems to be too upset about it.

Bus-Drivers-Rule-Running-for-the-bus

Running for the bus.

Sometimes I took the bus to get to my part-time, after school job. That was a bit more stressful because I had to get to work on time – or else. I never did find out what “or else” was. I was pretty good at figuring out the schedule and the bus usually arrived on time. Finishing work late, however, meant that I would miss the last bus and have to walk home.

I was reminded of those days when I chanced upon Fatima on bus no. 87. She was on her way to work at one of the stores at the Power Centre on Brant street. Number 87 is the bus that runs along North Service Road and into parts of Tyandaga. It’s a weird little run – 6am until 9am and then 3pm until 6pm (approx.). It’s one of the ‘employment’ routes that service a particular area around ‘peak’ work hours.

I asked Fatima, politely, how she got home since the bus would not run around normal closing hours. “My Mom picks me up,” Fatima said. “Good,” I replied.

I continued on no. 87 and watched as a hoard of cars pulled into the parking lots of two private schools along North Service Road. I got off at the Aldershot GO station, took the train to Appleby glad with the fact that my Presto Card handled all the transfers seamlessly.

Bus station 1

City staff applauding the roll out of a new bus.

Then I traveled up to the Alton area. Specifically, I jumped off at the 407 carpool parking lot to watch a few buses come and go. Pretty thin ridership, but then it wasn’t quite time for commuters arriving via the handful of GO buses that stop there. I then saw Bill. I didn’t catch him coming off a bus so as I approached him I asked where he was coming from. He mentioned that he was actually dropped off by one of his work colleagues at the Region of Peel in Brampton. “They encourage carpooling at the Region,” Bill stated. “I get dropped off here and the rest of the group carries on along Dundas Street (Hwy 5).”

Bill then explained that he usually catches a city bus (it could have been 6, 11, 25, 3A or 5A) and goes to the gym, to workout, before he continues, via bus, to his home. Sounded pretty good to me.

Haber name in sign

Haber, a destination for students using transit.

I decided to head back down to Appleby GO and chose the no. 11 bus. That took me past the Haber Recreation Centre and Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School. The bus stopped long enough for a few students to get on board. It was after school hours, I guessed by the carrying cases they had. Musical instruments maybe. But the word ‘Badminton’ on the side of the case gave it away what they were up to.

A few minutes later, Brenda, got on the bus. “Why are you taking the bus?” I asked.  “Had a car accident,” Brenda replied. “I have to wait two weeks for it to get repaired and there wasn’t a rental car provided.” As we got closer to Fairview Street, Brenda said goodbye and got off the bus to make her transfer.

As Brenda got off, Graham got on the bus. He’s saving his money so that he can take a driver’s course and get his licence. Even then he noted, “I’ll still have to take the bus until I get my full G2 licence.” As we pulled into the GO station I lost track of where Graham headed next.

Tatyana, who works in Mississauga, got off the GO train at Appleby and was on her way to catch the no. 10 bus. Well dressed, with a professional satchel on her hip – containing a laptop I guessed, Tatyana stopped long enough to tell me that she could have taken 4, 10 or 20 but the no. 4 bus ends at 6:30 so she doesn’t catch that often. “By the time I get off the train all I want to do is sit back and let someone else drive me home,” Tatyana exclaimed. Then she dashed off and onto her bus.

Haber and Associates have been aggressive advertisers using the space on city buses for public exposure.

John Street terminal.

On a different day, at the John Street Burlington Transit depot I met an older lady. She didn’t want to give me her name but, like everyone else I met during this adventure, she had no qualms about chatting, briefly, about riding on Burlington Transit. “I prefer to walk,” she said. “But I can only walk so far and then I get tired. That’s when I wait for the next bus.” Good for you I thought.

When asked where she was headed she told me “Walmart”. “I go up there to buy groceries and such, but just one or two bags at a time,” she explained. I asked her which bus went up Brant Street. “Two or Three,” she replied. “They changed it a while ago. I’m not sure.” I told her I would ask at the kiosk on John St.

My final ‘victim’ was Lacey. Lacey works at Tim Horton’s and needs to get to work most days by 6am. “There’s not a lot of people on the bus at that time,” noted Lacy. She relies on the bus even though, in a pinch she could walk the distance.

“Not much fun in the winter,” I suggested.

“No,” she replied. “That’s why I’m grateful there is a bus. But,” she hesitated, “there could be a schedule, maybe electric, at the stop to let us know if and when the bus will arrive.”

I think about that and other things that would make me take the bus more often. I admit, I’m an occasional bus rider these days. I don’t ‘need’ to take the bus but when I do I feel a little more ‘connected’. More so than with others that drive past me. Sure, there could be more buses, more frequent departures, more routes, and softer seats, free wi-fi on the bus, maybe even more room for parcels or groceries.

It’s a chicken and egg thing. Would more riders mean better service, or vice versa? If more ‘gas tax’ money was spent on transit improvements rather than potholes, red light cameras, or parking lots would I be happier taking the bus? I’ve observed that everyone has an opinion about the money the City spends on public transit, for sure.

Bfast 2018 forum

A public meeting on transit problems.

I’d be happy to hear what others would like to see happen to our transit system because public transit is not going away. It’s needed more now than ever – to move more people and get fewer cars on the road – to provide an alternative to the wasteful fact that most cars sit, parked somewhere 20+ hours a day – and to help combat climate change.

What do you think?

Lawson Hunter can be reached at:  lawson@cogeco.ca

Part 1 of On the buses,

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Father, forgive them ...

By Staff
April 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

 

Christ on the cross

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City handing out provincial money to get people outside and play.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

April 18th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City of Burlington has a Park Play Experience Fund and is now accepting applications

The Parks Play Experience Fund will provide up to $1,500 to bring people together and encourage our community to get outside and play in City of Burlington parks, trails and open spaces.

OutdoorPlay child

His to discover.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 27, 2019. The Park Play Experience Fund is a one-year funding program that has been expanded from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge initiative.

The Parks Play Experience Fund will provide up to $1,500 to bring people together and encourage our community to get outside and play in City of Burlington parks, trails and open spaces.

Park Play Experience is designed to:

Beard - hoola hoope - run jump play

Not as easy as it looks – great exercise.

• Encourage outdoor play experiences in City parks, trails or open spaces
• Encourage neighbourhoods and community groups to get together and play outdoors
• Create new community connections
• Enhance playability, walkability or connectivity within City neighbourhood parks, trails and open spaces
Ideas for types of Outdoor Play Experiences include:
• Create a walking group on our trails
• Organize a neighbourhood park play day
• Organize a neighbourhood recreation program
• Purchase equipment to be shared among the community that will enhance play
• Introduce new outdoor park play experiences to enhance an existing program and encourage more people to get outside

How the fund works
The Park Play Experience must be:

• Open and inclusive to the entire community
• Within the City of Burlington
• Free or under five dollars ($5)
• Outdoors
• A one-time funding request
• Able to satisfy insurance requirements (listed online at burlington.ca/parkplayfund)
• In compliance with municipal, provincial and federal regulatory standards (i.e. standards for playgrounds, building codes)

There is a soccer player in there somewhere

There is a soccer player in there somewhere

Each application will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. The request meets all criteria for funding
2. The overall feasibility of the experience
3. Tangible benefits and outcomes from the experience
4. How many people it will impact in the neighbourhood
5. A realistic budget that clearly outlines how the budget will be spent
6. Ability to complete the experience before Dec. 31, 2019

He is no longer "acting"; it's now the real deal as Chris Glenn gets appointed the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Chris Glenn,  Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation has this to say about the program: “Play starts when we are young, but it never really stops. Play is for all ages, cultures and abilities. An outdoor play experience can be anything that encourages participation at any age group or demographic. Passive and or active. Sport, recreational, cultural or educational in nature. Connecting with nature and being outdoors.”

Links and Resources
For more on the rules – CLICK

 

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150 HDSB elementary teachers told there will probably be no work for them come September - redundancy notices issued

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 18th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There are 150 elementary school teachers with the Halton District School Board who have been told that come September 1st, they don’t have a job.

The “redundancy” notices they received were required under the collective agreement the school board has with the elementary teachers union.

That’s the bad news – and there is more to come.

Stuart Miller

Director Miller

Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the school board said we will learn next week what we will have to issue in terms of redundancy notices to high school teachers.

In an interview Miller said that some of the elementary teachers might get recalled but at this point we still don’t know what our grant structure from the province is going to be. We usually have that information by now – it might be the end of May before we know what we will have in the way of grant money, what individual schools need in the way of teaching staff and what we will have in the way of retirements.

The provincial decision to increase the number of students in elementary school classes after grade 4 and the need to have bigger high school classes isn’t helping.

Redundancy notices are issued on the basis of seniority which means the newer and usually younger teachers are the first to get let go.

Teachers reminding the pubnlic what they do

Teachers reminding the public just what it is they do.

Miller did add that the notices have to be issued at this point – “I am hoping that the province sees us as a board with a growing population. We are opening a new school in Oakville.

“I am working with all the secondary school principals to learn what they think their needs are going to be.

“Right now we are dealing with a lot of if’s and maybes.”

While the Halton |Board has a good working relationship with its unions – those unions don’t like what they see coming their way from the province.  Think strikes in the educational sector.

Cold comfort for those teachers that got the letters telling them that there is no place for them come September.

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School calendar for 2019- 2020 school year released

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 18th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

As most people get ready for a long weekend, hoping that real spring weather will show up, some time might be found to plan for the next set of school holidays.

The Halton District School Board released the calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.
The calendar has to be approved by the Ministry of Education.

School PD days 2019-2020

Getting a calendar to this point is no small feat. The two major school boards have to get their ducks lined up and then they need to look at what else there is in the way of public holidays.

So far we are not seeing very much in the way of accommodating the Muslim community.

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Community Development Halton offering Results based Accountability and Developmental Evaluation course.

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 18th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Community Development Halton has announced the second in a series of short courses for the not for profit sector

There is an opportunity for people in this sector to “strengthen your grant application skills with strong evaluation techniques. In this series, you will learn different styles of evaluation and their impact on your activities. This full-day session will provide insight into the approaches to evaluation, as well as provide a deepened understanding of “how to”. This is the second session of Measuring Impact: Evaluation Approaches workshop series.

*This series is intended for staff and board members concerned about or charged with measuring impact in their organizations and/or programs.

RESULTS-BASED ACCOUNTABILITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATION
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Community Development Halton,
3350 South Service Rd, Burlington
Session fee: $100 Members; $125 Non-members.
Lunch will be provided.
Registration: cdhalton.ca/events

This session is focused on Results-Based Accountability and Developmental Evaluation, both of which, move in varying degrees beyond the linearity of more traditional approaches to evaluation.

Key learnings:
• Understanding key concepts that shape Results-Based Accountability as an approach to program planning, community planning, and evaluation.

• Appreciating the distinction between performance accountability and population accountability.

• Understand the planning processes inherent in both performance accountability and population accountability.

• Insight into the challenges of evaluating innovative initiatives in complex systems using more traditional evaluation approaches.

• Understand when developmental evaluation is appropriate to use.

• Develop an appreciation for systems thinking and the role of the evaluator in developmental evaluation.

Facilitator: JODY ORR, of The Chrysalis Group has an extensive background in designing and carrying out evaluation in the human services sector. With a master’s degree in Sociology and founding principal in an organizational and community development consulting firm, Jody has worked for 17 years in the nonprofit sector. Currently the embedded evaluator with the Centre for Innovation in Peer Support, her consulting work involves research and policy analysis.

CDH grant aplication skills May 2019

Upcoming session (session #3.) Research Methods to Support Evaluation and Evaluation Readiness (Wednesday, June 12, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
For more information find the flyer attached or contact 1-855-395-8807 ext. 2 or acoburn@cdhalton.ca

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Resident discovers a solution that might put a crimp in the developers plan for the east end of the city.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

April 18th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is nothing more powerful than a motivated citizen with research skills who takes the time to read lengthy, incredibly boring documents.

Lucy - M A St James at 1st open house July18 (2-4)

Lucy Belvedere in conversation with ward 5 candidate Mary Alice St. James

Lucy Belvedere didn’t like the look of the proposed development for the Lakeshore Village Plaza but she wasn’t prepared to sit idly by and let the developer roll over the residents of the community.

After delivering a zinger of a delegation Belvedere went over the documents that were public and realized she had missed something.

“I don’t know how I missed this! I discovered that in the Official Plan now under review, there is already a designation for the smaller sites of mixed-use properties that can apply to the Lakeshore Village Plaza site.

This designation is called Local Centre Designation and describes Policies for sites that are 1 to 4 hectares.
Belvedere argues that “Lakeshore Village Plaza should be given the designation as a Local Centre since it is under 4 hectares. This would resolve many of the major concerns of height and density and in reality it reflects the Neighbourhood Commercial designation of the existing Official Plan beautifully…allowing intensification without being excessive.”

The controversy over this redevelopment proposal could have been avoided had Lakeshore Plaza been given the correct designation: it is under four ha and should be designated a local designation centre.

“I don’t understand why it was given the Neighbourhood Centre designation that applies to properties that are 4 – 12 Hectares, especially considering the narrow roads that serve this property and the character of this east-end neighbourhood surrounding the site.

Local Centre Designation better suits a Secondary Growth Area Designation allowing reasonable intensification, but not to the extent of a Primary Growth Area.

Belvedere’s finding was sent to everyone that mattered.

During the delegation none of the council members raised the designation that was given, Lola xxx didn’t make any mention either. Did they not fully read the report?

A complete application has been in the hands of the city for some time. Are the east end residents looking at yet another development application that is going to squeeze through because of a timing goof?

nautique-elevation-from-city-july-2016

This one at Martha and Lakeshore.

high profile 421

This one opposite city hall.

That’s how ADI got away with their Nautique development in the downtown core. The OMB approval of the ADI development gave the Carriage Gate development the loop hole they needed to get a 24 story structure approved opposite city hall.

Skinner graphic of the site

Is this what the residents of the east end can expect for the Lakeshore Village Plaza?

Will Lucy Belvedere have run the alarm bell soon enough?

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False 911 Call Leads to Arrest

Crime 100By Staff

April 17th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This criminal act sets a new level for stupidity.

HRPS crestOn April 16, 2019, at approximately 7:45 pm, the Halton Regional Police Service received a call to attend an address on Walkers Line in Burlington. Information from the caller stated a female had been shot at the residence.

A large emergency response (including police and EMS) was coordinated and attended the address. Investigation found the allegation that a female was shot, to be false.

Zach Gerdes (27) of Burlington, was arrested at the scene and charged with the following:

-Public Mischief

-Convey False Message

It is alleged that the 911 call was made by Gerdes to expedite police response to a separate report in regards to missing property.

Police would like to remind the public that 911 is only to be used in an emergency. It is a criminal offence to make a false 911 call and such hoaxes divert first responders from actual emergencies.

People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Rivers: The meek are never going to inherit the earth. Ask Rachel Notley.

Rivers 100x100By Staff

April 17th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Ray Rivers is on a short sabbatical, taking some time to think about the significantly different political landscape in Ontario and now Alberta and wonder what impact that will have on the federal elections in October.

Cathedral spain Santiagp

Basílica de Santiago

Rivers made mention of a walking trip he had done in Spain where that part of the world is full up with churches – “a testimony to how religion helped keep people in poverty while building monuments to the organization in charge of their lives. Truth is that the meek were never going to inherit the earth – ask Rachel Notley.”

Ray may well have a lot to say about the election in Alberta.

rivers-on-guitarRay Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking.  Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington.  He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject.   Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa.  Tweet @rayzrivers

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All the applications are in - new city manager should be in place by July. Don't count on it - unless the decision has already been made.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

April 17th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you haven’t submitted your application for the job of Burlington’s next city manager – you’ve missed out on the chance to pull in close to a quarter of a million each year + a great pension + a pretty easy work schedule.

Applications closed yesterday afternoon.

The Gazette did a story on the process the city was using to hire the next city manager; a number of our readers had comments from those who looked askance at the process the city appears to be using to hire the next city manager.

Tim Commisso Jan 28

It’s a lonely job at times. Interim city manager Tim Commisso

The current interim city manager, Tim Commisso who uses the city manager’s office and uses the city manager’s seat at council meetings – made it clear when he was hired that this was a short term assignment.

It didn’t look that way for a bit. Commisso took to using the title Acting City Manager and during the budget deliberations talked in terms of revising the way reserve funds were being looked at and deployed.

When Mayor Marianne Meed Ward did what in the municipal world was unthinkable – raided some of the reserve accounts to ensure that she came in with a budget that was under a 3% increase over the previous year, Commisso said that in future the finance department would group the reserve funds into a “portfolio” of reserves.

Not a bad idea but not something that gets done in a couple of months. Why was Commisso talking about a very significant and strategically important approach to finance when he has just a few months in his short term contract?

When the Gazette first published a piece on the city manager job posting and asking when the public was going to be brought into the picture we got a notice from the Mayor’s office that there would be a media release issued “shortly”.

That shortly turned out to be the same day – the city issued a statement and included a link to the job posting with a Human Resources recruiting operation that was some distance from a first tier operation had posted.
The Gazette got the information on the 12th for a job posting that was to close on the 16th.

There were a number of things about the statements made and the information released that raised more than an eyebrow and prompted some questions:

Red jacket at city hallWhy did it take so long to tell the public what was being done?  This Mayor prides herself on being open, transparent and accountable.

When was the job first posted by the head hunters who were given the assignment ?

The whole process that appears to have been used just doesn’t feel all that right.

The Gazette did reach out to the Mayor a day before we wrote the article asking where things were with the hiring of the new city manager – we didn’t get a reply.

Hopefully, whoever the city eventually hires will tighten up the way things get done at 426 Brant Street.

Related news stories.

When was a new city manager going to be hired?

The job posting was to close five days after the public learned about the job,

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Death is not a medical event. It is a social process and talking about it won't kill you.

eventsblue 100x100By Janet Gadeski

April16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The title of the talk that is to take place at the Library on New Street on Thursday, May 2 from 7 to 8:30 pm certainly catches the eye.

“Death is not a medical event. It is a social process,”

kathy-kortes-miller

Kathy-Kortes-Miller – author.

Kathy Kortes-Miller. A social worker and palliative care specialist, speaks from systemic and personal experience.

Kathy’s book, Talking About Death Won’t Kill You (ECW Press, 2018), came out of that journey. Its helpful chapters include strategies and tips for becoming better informed; talking openly with family members, especially children; sharing with co-workers, creating compassionate workplaces for yourself and others; working through personal and medical decisions; making your values and wishes clear in an advance care plan; managing and benefitting from digital communications, including social media; and considering medical assistance in dying.

Death book coverShe has earned a reputation for managing this topic with expertise, empathy, and humour. If you’d like her to tell you more about preparing for death and dying, join her at Burlington’s Central Library, Centennial Room, from 7 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, May 2. There will be plenty of time for your questions. Copies of the book will be available for sale too. The event is co-sponsored by the Burlington Public Library and Carpenter Hospice with the assistance of The Different Drummer in support of The 100% Certainty Project.

To register for this free event, go to https://attend.bpl.on.ca/event/1666855. See you there!

Burlington resident Janet Gadeski is a former board member of The Carpenter Hospice. An avid reader, she represents the Hospice on The 100% Certainty Project’s working group, a project dedicated to helping people talk about and prepare for dying, death, and bereavement.

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Transit as a lifestyle - one man's experience.

opinionviolet 100x100By Lawson Hunter

April 16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Part 1 of 2  Lawson Hunter approached us a number of weeks ago asking if we might be interested in publishing the experiences he has as he rides the Burlington Transit system. He doesn’t offer any solutions to the problems that exist; all we get are his observations on how transit works for some people. Enjoy and expect some interesting feedback from readers on this one.

Sitting two seats in front of me on the bus a woman was talking, loudly, on her phone. I didn’t recognize the language but it was fascinating none the less. She was speaking non-stop, so that the person on the other end of the conversation couldn’t get a word in edge-wise. And though it might have annoyed a few of my fellow passengers, I revelled in the fact that ‘where else in the world could I experience this cultural phenomenon?’

I enjoyed the fact that this woman, perhaps a recent immigrant, felt comfortable enough amidst strangers to talk so… did I mention – loudly. Was this any different than listening to a bunch of students chatting and giggling with the energy that comes after a day at school? Or two people in the midst of a heated argument?

If you’re a bit of a people-watcher, like I am, sitting on a bus is the place to be.

Old, young, affluent or otherwise, riding on the bus has an equalizing affect. We’re all along for the ride, trusting the expertise of some unnamed driver. The maddening pace of rush hour traffic has no effect on our psyches. Some turn to books, or ever-present cell phones, or keeping a brood of children in line and quiet. Me, I like to witness the exchange between fellow travellers. Taking the bus gives me the chance to experience life up close while watching the city slowly unfold outside the windows.

aldershot-go-station-traffic

Aldershot GO was part of the trip.

One day I’ll be on the bus along with, say, Nolan and Lana and their two little children in a double-stroller. They came to Canada from the Congo. They’re travelling from Hamilton to Waterdown via the No. 1 bus. Wait! They’re Hamilton residents but they need a Burlington bus to connect them with downtown services and their home. Almost every day they, and their kids, travel using a Hamilton bus to get to the Aldershot GO station, then Burlington Transit drops them off at King and James, and then they make the return trip. “So much better than our country,” Nolan exclaims. And I got to practice my rusty French for a bit – before we (I) gave up.

At the other end of the city, I noticed a handful of people jumping off an Oakville Transit bus rushing to catch the GO train at Aldershot station – heading for the Blue Jay game vs. Boston. I’ll let you guess how I knew they were Blue Jay fans. Again, wait! It’s easier to go from parts of Oakville into Burlington to catch the train. “The cars are empty,” shouts one fan as she runs past me, “at this time of day. They’ll be full at the Oakville station.” Ahh. So there is some strategy when taking transit.

“I can take more than one bus to get home,” notes Jack who lives not too far from Appleby GO. He works ‘downtown’ (Toronto, but wouldn’t get into specifics). His wife has the family’s one car. Jack sees no need to buy a second car “just to drive six kilometres and then park it all day” or worse drive into Toronto and pay for parking all day.

appleby-go-station

Some can’t live without a car – others know they will never need a driver’s license.

Sitting next to Jack on the bench waiting for No. 80 is Nick. His job is, “on the other side of the (Appleby) tracks. I just walk under the tunnel to catch the bus”. Nick, who works in IT, doesn’t think he’ll ever own a car. He doesn’t even have a driver’s license.

But not everyone on the bus has the option of owning a car. Students like Liam and Liam, I’m not kidding, take the bus to school every day. Liam (1) complains, ever so slightly, that when he went to Central’s elementary school, the School Board arranged a school bus to pick him up. Each school year, approximately 33,000 students who attend 150 public and Catholic schools across Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville rely on school bus transportation to and from school.

Now that he’s in Secondary School, Liam has to pay to ride the civic bus – albeit the School Board subsidizes students’ fares. Liam (2) notes that his parents pay for his monthly bus pass. Both Liams claim that if they were involved in extracurricular activities, their parents would probably pick them up. “The bus is okay,” said Liam, “but it could be cheaper”. That would be, again, up to the School Board that has a limit on bus travel of greater than 3.2 km between school and home.

Uber taxi

Uber and Lyft are now part of the transit ecology – both are now public corporation’s as well.

I caught up with Nancy, who works in downtown Burlington, and takes the No. 3 or 10 bus almost every day due to the fact that she is visually impaired and can’t drive. She mentions that the signage could be larger. “Connections are always a challenge,” Nancy observes. It’s a common complaint for any transit service in North America.

“If I have to go anywhere other than between work and home, I might consider Uber,” says Nancy. She also comments that Burlington Transit seems to be constantly modifying routes or schedules. “They say it’s to make improvements but I think it’s just to make it more convenient for drivers.” When I ask if she is planning to attend any of the public meetings set out to discuss transit issues, Nancy admits that she was unaware that they were actually taking place on the day we met.

I’ve long ago realized that public transit is not about getting about in a speedy manner. Taking the bus is a different lifestyle for sure. It takes longer but don’t we often hear experts tell us to ‘slow down and enjoy the journey’? I can’t do that when I’m concentrating on the other crazy drivers that blast along the roadway as if they were the only person on the road. For me, the bus gives me the time to slow down, maybe read a book, write a story, notice that Spring is finally here, or let me do a bit of people watching.

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Breakfast Bash has set a $68,000 target for their on-line auction. Help make it happen.

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

April 16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is a program delivered to many schools in Halton Region: Food for Thought.

Food for Thought is a Region wide program that works with elementary and high schools to ensure that every student has access to a proper breakfast.

The program takes place every day of the week at 130 schools across Halton and feeds more than 27,000 students a week.  They have over 2,100 volunteers (including 930 students) and dozens of community partners who all work together to feed students in their communities.

For the first time ever, Halton Food for Thought is hosting an online auction as part of our annual Breakfast Bash!

Breakfast bash

Some amazing items have been donated by community partners and corporations. All proceeds for the online auction will go directly to support the 2019 Breakfast Bash goal of $68,000.

Please send us a message if you have anything you can donate!

You won’t want to miss this event!

Auction items will be added shortly, and bidders will have a week to preview before the bidding starts.

Bidding will start at 9 am on Wednesday, April 24! This portion of our Breakfast Bash event will only be run on Facebook.

Any items not securing a minimum bid online will be transferred to the Silent Auction at our Breakfast Bash on May 3rd.

The Food for Thought story.

Link to the Facebook page

 

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DNA evidence seized by Regional police solves a crime.

Crime 100By Staff

April 16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This isn’t a Burlington crime story but it does give us a look at the tools the Regional police have at their disposal.

We hear about the use of DNA evidence on television programs – learning that the Regional police actually do get to use DNA data in the solving of crimes.

DNA room

The new Regional Police headquarters has better facilities enabling to do better police work.

On February 22, 2019, the Halton Regional police responded to a residence on Sheddon Avenue in Oakville for a report of a stolen vehicle.

Several days later, a member of the public noticed an abandoned vehicle in the same area. Officers responded again and located a vehicle stolen from the City of Brampton. Members of the Forensic Identification Bureau conducted an examination of the second vehicle and seized DNA evidence.

As a result, the Center of Forensic Science later confirmed that the sample belonged to Alex Payne (26) of Toronto. The Halton Regional Police arrested Payne on Sunday, April 14, 2019. Payne was taken to the Oakville station where he was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The investigation is on-going and members of the public who may have further information pertaining to these crimes are encouraged to contact Detective Omar Nadim of the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau, at 905-825-4747 ext. 2278.

CHARGES:
Accused: Alex Payne (26) of Toronto
Charges: Theft of Motor Vehicle & Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Tips can also be submitted 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.

People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Regional economic data for 2018 tells a great story - but there is a threat on the horizon - the Premier appears to want to dismantle the region.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Whenever Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr stand up to speak he will tell you two things:
The Region is a great place to live and do business and it is the safest place to live as well.

Then he will get into what getting outdoors and enjoying the community you live and work in.

On those subjects Carr is unstoppable.

Here is how he does his song and dance – something he puts his heart and soul into.

Regional location

Why location, location, location matters.

“Business owners often tell me that Halton is a great place to invest thanks to its prime location, access to an educated workforce and a high quality of life that is second to none.

Where they are - 1st slide

What the business community said they did in the last 12 months – and why.

“Our annual Business Conditions Survey provides additional insight into how businesses are doing – their outlook for the year ahead, confidence in the local economy and plans for growth. This year’s Business Conditions Report presents the results from our 2018 survey, which confirms that employers and employees continue to benefit from a growing local economy. Here are some highlights:

• Four in five businesses surveyed in 2018 are optimistic about the future and expect economic conditions to remain stable or improve.

• Half of these businesses are anticipating increased profits over the next 12 months.

• Two in five businesses plan to hire additional employees in 2019.

• Three out of five businesses are investing in capital assets and in skills training to increase productivity.

surveyedA strong Regional economy is essential to everyone’s prosperity in Halton. Whether you plan to start up, relocate or expand an existing business, our dedicated Invest Halton team supports local businesses at any stage. Connect with our team and get the latest local economic data and expert advice that can help you do what so many other innovative companies are doing – investing in Halton.

This is pure Gary Carr – and he has the numbers to back up his words.

The Halton Region Economic Development office has administered an annual Business Conditions Survey of local, for-profit businesses across the region since 2013.

Nearly 300 Halton business owners responded to the 2018 Business Conditions Survey. The Municipalities of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville are all represented as well as most major for-profit sectors including manufacturing, construction, professional and business services, science and technology, finance, insurance and real estate, wholesale, distribution & logistics and retail.

Global reach

Profits - hiring

Growth and productivity

 

If data matters – and it does – the numbers are impressive. Things couldn’t look better – right?

But the province seems to be looking at dismantling the Regional level of government and merging the four municipalities into a single entity.

That is not good news.

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Fire department looking for volunteers: applications close May 3rd.

News 100 redBy Staff

April 16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A lot of the members of the Burlington Fire Department got their start as volunteers.

The department is accepting volunteer applications online from the public from April 15 to May 3, 2019.

Fire pumpet - boots at door

Pump trucks – ready to roll in an instant.

All applicants must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• be legally entitled to work in Canada
• pass a health and medical evaluation, and fitness assessment
• have a permanent residence within six minutes travel time to Station No. 5 at 2241 Kilbride St. or reside in Burlington within 20 minutes of Station No. 1 at 1255 Fairview St.

For more information and the online application form, please visit www.burlington.ca/firevol and www.burlington.ca/careers.

The application period opened April 15 and closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 3, 2019.

The Burlington Fire Department consists of both professional and volunteer firefighters. New recruits will be assigned to Fire Headquarters, Station No. 1 or Fire Station No. 5, based on where the applicant lives. The Kilbride station covers the rural areas of Burlington, mostly north of No. 2 Sideroad.

 

Fire fighters with hoses

Fire fighters being trained how to use hoses when extinguishing a car on fire.

Deputy Fire Chief Karen Roche, who you will get to know very well if you are accepted as a volunteer, explains what they are looking for:

“We are looking for people who want to join the Burlington Fire Department. Applicants should be passionate about public safety and be interested in a challenging opportunity to serve Burlington as a volunteer firefighter. Being a volunteer firefighter is no ordinary job; the work is varied and challenging but also highly rewarding.”

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Residents hammer the plans for the redevelopment of the east end Lakeshore Village Plaza plans.

News 100 redBy Staff

April 16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The big news for the city last week was the delegations made at city hall on the proposed development plans for the plaza in the east end of the city that had fallen into disrepair and much in need of an upgrade.

There were 14 registered delegations at the required Statutory Public meeting with an additional 10 walk ons.

Lucy Belvedere set the tone that was heard throughout the evening when she said:

LVP aerial rendering

The proposed development.

“The Plaza isn’t in a major commercial area. Lakeshore Rd. isn’t a major road. It has less width than Guelph Line, Fairview St., New St. or Appleby Line. The proposed Official Plan Neighbourhood Centre Policy should be revised to distinguish between the smaller and larger properties given this designation. Halton Region doesn’t support this plaza proposal because this site isn’t in the regionally mapped Intensification area where such a density is generally supported.”

The proposed Neighbourhood Centre Policy applies to sites between 4 to 12 hectares. At 3.84 hectares, this Plaza falls under the minimum size. The new policy permits a reasonable 2 to 6 storey height. However, the floor area ratio established at 2.5:1 is far too much and unwarranted for this smaller site. That same floor area ratio is used in the Uptown Corridor, a Primary Growth Area.

Lucy B Stat meet

Lucy Belvedere

Further, variance applications can even increase this floor area ratio and allow a height of up to 11 storeys. But, the city has stated that Lakeshore Road, a minor arterial 30 meter road will never be widened. A max of six storeys with a reduced floor area ratio makes more sense. It sufficiently increases the existing OP policy for a Neighbourhood Commercial site under five hectares, with the CN1 zoning which permits 3 storeys, and a lesser floor area ratio. In contrast, Appleby Village is Community Commercial with a CC1 zoning because it is larger in size and has wider roads to serve it.

Accepting this proposal will permit many undesirable taller buildings and allow the unbelievable and incompatible 900 residential units, in addition to the expansive 14,655 square metres for commercial use. It is ludicrous, over-crowded and completely unsuited to its surrounding neighbourhood.

East-end Lakeshore has only 2 tall residential buildings: one, 19 storeys built in 1978; the other, 12 storeys built in 1983. The rest built since the 80’s have much less height. The average for all 12 buildings is 8 storeys, stretching across 900 metres; these are well spaced and surrounded by green open spaces. This sharply contrasts the claustrophobic concrete jungle created by this proposal. On the Plaza frontage, a mere 165 metres, it proposes 6 buildings, with 4 far exceeding the 6 storey limit.

They are presented as 2 massive structures separated by a dangerously narrow entrance and hide the other 5 buildings in the back. These unacceptable taller buildings, with such extreme density that can’t be justified and don’t enhance the streetscape. On such a small site, the proposed Policy variances are abused by this proposal.

Dana at Stat Meet

Dana Anderson, planner for the developer.

The developer’s lead planner has successfully pressured and swayed city planners through numerous meetings and delegations to the previous Council to form the Neighbourhood Centre Policy that favours this excessive density and height, absolutely impractical for our neighbourhood. Former Councillor Dennison called it “a Golden Egg in our basket of opportunities”.

Is money and greed to be the primary goal? The proposed policy illustrates the unprecedented influence of the project’s lead planner to shape the proposed Policy to clearly benefit her employer, the developer. It totally ignores residents’ legitimate concerns regarding increased traffic congestion, increased overflow traffic on neighbouring streets, and increased noise levels.

It will result in decreased safety for children and seniors, decreased air quality and decreased sky view. It threatens to jeopardize our present quality of life.

The 5 stage phasing locks us in an endless lengthy construction zone, a nightmare of noise, dirt, dust, and traffic tie-ups, estimated at 7 to 15 years, as I was told at the July Open House. What if the developer abandons these intense, complex plans mid-way and doesn’t complete the project? We could end up with a very unbalanced, unattractive plaza.

The developer is Joseph Popack, who has owned this property since 2001. This American billionaire developer, absentee owner, appears as #7 on the list of top 10 worst landlords in the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, New York where he owns over 3000 apartments. He has allowed Lakeside Plaza to deteriorate to its present inglorious state.

This over-intensification is ultimately meant to maximize his profits and represents his greed. He doesn’t care about our neighbourhood!

Please revise the Neighbourhood Centre Policy to distinguish between larger and smaller sites, to prevent future development proposals from ruining residential neighbourhoods similar to ours.

Jeremy skinner

Jeremy Skinner

Belvedere, a retired school teacher covered all the bases – those who followed her weren’t able to add all that much – except for Jeremy Skinner who has a penchant for getting into the weeds on any task he takes on.

We will report on his delegation later this week.

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Premier stiffs the municipal sector - Burlington Mayor 'disappointed'.'

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

April 15th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There never was all that much in the way of a meeting of minds. Today Burlington’s Mayor let Premier Ford know just how disappointed she is with him. In a statement released from her office Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said:

On behalf of the City of Burlington and Burlington City Council, I would like to express my disappointment in some aspects of the 2019 Ontario Budget that was released on April 11 — particularly, the decision to cancel the incremental increases in Provincial gas-tax funding over the next 10 years.

Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli presents the 2019 budget as Premier Doug Ford looks on at the legislature in Toronto on Thursday, April 11, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli presents the 2019 budget as Premier Doug Ford looks on at the legislature in Toronto on Thursday, April 11, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

In 2017, the Province announced the doubling of the gas tax from the current 2 cents per litre to 4 cents per litre. The funding was projected to increase to 2.5 cents/litre in 2019-2020, 3 cents/litre in 2020-21 and 4 cents/litre in 2021-22.

The City of Burlington currently receives $2.2 million, based on the 2 cents/litre model — over the next decade, and based on the former planned increases, this funding would have amounted to an additional $19.25 million in that 10-year span.

This is money that has been taken out of the pockets of our City and residents — funding that could have been used for essential transit projects, such as buying additional transit vehicles, adding more routes, extending the hours of service, implementing fare strategies and improving accessibility.

Flood Fairview plaza

It was a fllod that wasn’t expected. It cost the city a bundle and we now know there is more of this weather coming our way. Where the money is going to come from to pay for future damage is going to come from is now an unknown.

We also learned that the Province is planning cuts to the Conservation Authority Flood Forecasting and Natural Hazards Management funding by 50 per cent. This represents balancing the provincial books by downloading costs to municipalities and cutting funding obligations to cities and agencies.

Cuts to flood mitigation and public safety initiatives are the worst places to make cuts and not where they should be done. As a board member of Conservation Halton, I know we continually look for savings wherever possible. The Province needs to contribute their agreed upon share to this important work.

Downloading the aforementioned costs to municipalities increases the likelihood of increased taxes on our residents to maintain the initiatives and services they count on and at a level they should expect.

Mayor Meed Ward and Premier - Dec 2018

Smiles are not going to get anyone anywhere with this Premier. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward meets with Premier at a photo op.

As a City, we are particularly disheartened by the fact that these cuts were not publicly disclosed during the official announcement of the Provincial Budget last week.

The displeasure with the Premier could be a little brisker.  How about your basically stealing our money – what are you using it for – the new license plates we are going to get to use?  Diplomacy, reason and straight up accountability isn’t going to work with this Premier.

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A happier Bfast will be holding their 5th Annual transit event.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

April 15th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

These are happier days for the BFAST (Burlington for Accessible Sustainable Transit) people. They finally have a Director of Transit services who understands transit and wants to bring about changes.

BFAST has struggled for a number of years just to be heard. They bore the brunt of past Directors of Transit who were just plain incompetent.

A transit staff member said recently that “our Directors tells us every week that a large part of our job is to make this council look good”.

BFAST event 2019

So far they are doing that part of their job quite well – and this city council is providing them the funding they need to create a transit service that people will use.

BFAST announced today that they will be holding their 5th Annual Transit Users’ Forum that will take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre. It will be the fifth annual such gathering sponsored by more than a dozen community organizations in Burlington.

The forum starts at 10:00 a.m.. Doors open at 9:30, and a continental breakfast will be served.

Transit riders will also have a chance to discuss service issues with drivers, who will participate in a panel discussion, and to vote on an annual transit report card.

“Where past forums were dominated by pleas for greater funding, this year’s meeting will focus on sustaining and improving the service. A significant increase in the transit budget, approved by the new City Council, has opened the door to a better transit service in Burlington,” said Doug Brown, chair of Burlington for Accessible, Sustainable Transit (BFAST), the lead organizer of the event.

“We were extremely pleased with the budget increases that transit achieved in this year’s city budget,” said Brown. “City Council’s decision means that Burlington is on the way to providing support for transit that at least meets the average of comparable communities. We are very optimistic about the future of transit in Burlington.”

“Transit is an essential building block for an inclusive and environmentally-friendly city,” Brown said. “Everyone benefits from an improved transit system, including drivers.”

Sue Connor at mike

Sue Connors, Director of Transit

This year’s meeting will be co-sponsored by Burlington Transit, which will also provide logistical support for the event.

There was a time when the transit service neglected to provide transit service that would get people to their event.

Can transit fans expect to see the Director of Transit behind the wheel of one of the big buses?

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Easter weekend public events - church services.

eventspink 100x100By Staff

April 15th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington residents are encouraged to take note of what’s open and closed around town during the Easter holiday.

The city’s administrative services will be closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22.

Looking for things to do?
Please visit www.burlington.ca/calendar and www.tourismburlington.com
Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities – Hours vary

Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres will vary over the holiday weekend. For program times, please visit burlington.ca/play. For customer service hours, please visit burlington.ca/servicehours.

Burlington Transit
On Friday, April 19, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the downtown Transit Terminal and Specialized (Handi-Van) Dispatch will be closed. Regular service resumes Saturday, April 20. The administration offices are closed Friday, April 19 and will reopen Tuesday, April 23. For real-time schedule information, please visit www.burlingtontransit.ca.

Animal Shelter and Control
Closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22.
Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.

Roads, Parks and Forestry
Closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22. Only emergency services will be provided.

Halton Court Services
Closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22.
Pay tickets online at www.haltoncourtservices.ca.

Parking
Free parking is available in the downtown core, on the street, municipal lots and the parking garage on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on weekends or statutory holidays.

Do you have family and friends visiting for the holiday weekend? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m. Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting www.burlington.ca/parking.

Church services:

Compass Point Bible Church

compass point easter

St. Lukes Anglican Church

8:15 a.m. – Traditional Holy Communion – Book of Common Prayer (BCP)

– 10:00 a.m. – Family Choral Eucharist with Sunday Club and Nursery

Wellington Square United Church

Sunday 9am – Contemporary service with a casual atmosphere, visual experiences with live drama and video, and music that is as familiar and relevant as the tunes on your radio.

Sunday 11am – Blended worship featuring traditional hymns, praise songs, and choir, accompanied by organ, piano and guitar.

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church

Easter Sunday, April 21 Mass of the Resurrection 8:00 a.m.9:30 a.m.11:15 a.m

 

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