 By Pepper Parr
July 21st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Ray has gone fishing.
He will be back soon – he doesn’t really catch very many fish.
 Give him a week – maybe two and he will be back at his keyboard explaining a government policy, giving us background and insights.
The change of government at the provincial level has Rivers pulling back and wondering if we are on our way to the days of Mike Harris. Thinking about just how big the provincial deficit is and how the Liberals will reinvent themselves and wondering as well just how efficient a Leader of the Opposition Andrea Horwath will be.
 Great times for a political pundit – and given that Rivers couldn’t hook a fish if his dinner depended on it – expect him back soon.
Ray 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. Tweet @rayzrivers
 By Staff
July 20th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Imagine looking out the window and seeing someone stealing your car.
 Cst Mitchell with police dog Juno being trained. Another police dog was used to track down the auto thieves. In the early morning hours of July 16th, Halton Police were called to area of Janina Boulevard in the City of Burlington after a citizen witnessed their vehicle being stolen from their driveway. Police attended the area and found the stolen vehicle to be abandoned a short distance away. With the assistance of K9, two suspects were subsequently located and arrested.
Further investigation indicated that the suspects were responsible for several entries to unlocked vehicles in the area and also entered and caused a significant amount of damage to a house under construction. The two youths, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been charged with several property related offences.
Citizens are again reminded to be vigilant in removing all items of value, and keys from their vehicles and ensuring that their vehicles are locked overnight.
Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation are asked to contact Detective Constable Colin Macleod of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 9058254747 extension 2357.
 By Michael Jones
July 20th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The current City Council has managed to isolate and frustrate the people of Burlington like no other group I have encountered. Unless it is a feel-good moment of a ceremony they continue to leave us disappointed. I really try to find the positive’s, but this group leaves us arm folded and shaking our collective heads. (and told to be quiet) The decisions this group has made are full of contradictory statements and lack foresight.
 Michael Jones in conversation with former Toronto Mayor David Crombie who was speaking to the now defunct Waterfront Advisory Committee. At the time Jones was president of Save our Waterfront, a group that at one point had more than 1000 members. I delegated at the council meeting against the 421-431 Brant Street development. I decided to abstain from delegating on July 10th and July 17th against the 409 Brant as a candidate for Ward 2 but attended as a member of the community. Delegating to Council is like talking to a brick wall that refuses to listen to logic, real statistics and the desire of the people of Burlington. I was in the council chambers listening to each of the councilors “logic” on why they voted the way they did. In a time when facts are forever doubted this group has not done their job in providing the facts we deserve. They also spoke down and minimized the thoughts of the knowledgeable people that did delegate.
The Council seems confused in their own direction when a decision was to be made. They were asking questions that I would think would be asked well in advance of such an important day that impacts the City forever.
• Can we get a third party traffic study? was asked by Council to City Staff as the traffic study completed is widely believed not to address all the developments combined. They then proceeded to vote on buildings that will increase traffic in an area that already faces gridlock without a proper traffic study already being done.
• City staff was asked, “Can we have a pause to re consider or delay the building developments?” They are asking this the day of the vote! Try asking that of a boss or professor, the day of the exam. Didn’t work then doesn’t work now. If in doubt how can they move forward confidently. Go BOLD they say. A Bold decision would be to stand with the people.
After discussions with people across the city many weren’t aware this Council meeting was taking place or the importance of it:
 The price ranges for the Nautique are all over the map. They advertise the top ten floors as having units that go for $1 million • Paul Sharman gave us a history lesson on where he has lived over the course of his life. He proceeded to give us false numbers on the upper 1 % of wage earners throughout downtown. I for one are far from the 1 % neither are my surrounding neighbours. He stated these buildings will provide affordable housing, he was unable to back these figures up as the condominiums have not even been advertised for sale. For example, the ADI development at Lakeshore and Martha originally had a sign stating condo’s for $250 000.00, this has now been changed to $800 000.00. The sign has so many new increase price tag layers, it may fall over. Not so affordable Councilor Sharman.
• Mayor Goldring had asked City Staff in detail about taking a “Pause” on this development and further developments. He then proceeded to Vote for the development, if you are wanting a moment of clarity normally people don’t dive in.
• Lancaster gave us a firsthand example of her business losing money because of the building of the Performing Arts Centre and moving from the downtown core. She flippantly suggests business’s need to come and go as she has done with her business. What kind of message are we sending to hard working people often investing their life savings on a dream of succeeding in the downtown. Lancaster and Craven seem to believe Kelly’s Bake Shop will set up somewhere else in Burlington. This is far from guaranteed and why would she? My coworkers in my Mississauga office drive from Toronto and Mississauga for her quality bake good. I for one will miss my New Year’s Tradition of Blossom City Chinese Food.
• Taylor leaned on Rick Craven like a crutch clinging to the Places to Grow Act, without providing facts or numbers. The original Official Plan met the numbers for intensification. The City won’t get a special certificate from the Province of Ontario for creating a skyline mirroring that of Toronto across the lake.
 The building that houses Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is shown in the lower right corner. The structure may remain – but there is no guarantee that the Bake Shoppe will be inside whatever is kept to show that the city actually has some heritage. • Jack Dennison did not support the motion for 409 Brant St, but his vision does not bode well for downtown, he detailed his vision on this property of a 14 storey building with escalators. This has been tried before at both Upper Canada Place 460 Brant Street and 760 Brant Street. Neither of these locations offer an inviting street level and have had limited success in occupancy over the years and none to the longevity of Blossom City Chinese Food and the success of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe.
• The ongoing Craven vs Meed Ward opposing views, I do support healthy debate and opposite viewpoints but all decisions need to be based on facts. Marianne Meed Ward presented a detailed list of reasons why this building does not need to be built and were presented in a logical manner. Craven could only raise his voice stating “it is the Law”, this does not provide the citizens the true details on this development excessive goals.
After sitting frustrated through many Council meetings, we need something greater than a “Pause” button, we need to press “Stop”.
Jack Dennison asked Kelly of Kelly’s Bake Shop .”how do you do so well at marketing and communication?” I hope the City Staff listened to her answer. “Passion and love, not schooling just love of what she is doing” Communication is a 2-way street and as a candidate for Ward 2, this is what I believe needs to be changed at City Hall. The people have shown and voiced their love and passion for the City and this Council turned its back on what is important to the citizens.
Hopefully this October our new Council can serve the people of Burlington as they deserve, we have invested our money and our families in this City. Burlington Citizens need to feel their voice is heard, all the good hard working, educated and prepared people who delegated were not listened to. This opinion piece can be taken as a rant of sorts, but it is frustrating and heart breaking to see the direction this downtown is going.
Michael Jones is a downtown resident and a candidate for the ward 2 city council seat
 By Pepper Parr
July 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
David Vandenburg contacted the Gazette to clarify why a second version of the mayor’s newsletter went out earlier this week.
The Mayor said, according to his campaign manager, that the downtown Councillor contacted the Mayor’s Office with the request for correction, which he then provided. Apparently the Mayor “didn’t want to mislead readers by not highlighting the part that was corrected.”
 David Vandenburg announcing that he is going to manage Mayor Goldring’s re-election campaign. Vandenburg added that as the “lead representative of council, any Mayor should keep residents informed on votes and what other Councillors were looking for, it wasn’t a political shot. Which is why the Mayor referred to Councillor Dennison’s wishes for the site as well.
“It was a minor error in the first one that was simply requested to be changed by a colleague, which was done and highlighted.”
Vandenberg said he was “clarifying the reason why the part was highlighted in the second version was because the first newsletter went out only saying MMW put forward a motion for 11 stories. She asked for it to be changed to 3-11 stories, which the Mayor did and highlighted it so readers understood the correction in the newsletter.
“MMW asked for the change and he did it for her and to clarify to the public, not a shot at her. She asked for the change.”
I’m confused.
Here are the two version of the paragraph in the Newsletter:
 The paragraph as it appeared in the first version of the newsletter on the Tuesday.  The second version of the paragraph as it appeared in the second version. All the Mayor had to do was say that he was asked the make a correction. Now we know. Awkward!
It all comes across as a little confusing – kind of like the New Street Road Diet. Do it right the first time and don’t slip and slide explaining something that was pretty simple.
Why couldn’t the Mayor have said something like: I was asked to make the following correction by the ward Councillor – then make the correction.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the thoughts, opinions, observations and musing of the Gazette publisher.
 By Staff
July 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police have identified the body that was found floating in Lake Ontario to the east of the Pier.
The deceased party has been identified as Matthew Kevin BROWN (45), of Burlington. A post mortem examination determined the cause of death to be as a result of drowning.
 The body of Matthew Brown was found floating in the water east of the Pier. The incident is not believed to be criminal in nature, however the investigation is continuing. Investigators are interested in speaking to anyone who may have information regarding Mr. Brown’s whereabouts in the days leading up to this incident.
There are no related public safety concerns.
The Gazette has learned that the body was naked when it was found in the water and that the clothing at the time had not been found.
Matty, as he was known by his friends, last worked at the Black Swan where he is reported to have been well liked. Matty didn’t have any immediate financial problems – he had recently received a cheque in the amount of about $1900 and was looking into starting up a catering business.
A source who does not want to be identified said that “Matty was not the kind of man who would take his pants off – finding him naked surprises me. This just doesn’t sound right.”
The Gazette reached out to the investigating officer but our call was not returned.
The police are asking anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Candido Moniz of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2312.
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.
By Pepper Parr
July 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there trouble at the Sound of Music?
 Dave Miller The Gazette has been told by a source that has asked for full anonymity on the information that
Dave Miller , Executive Director of Burlington Sound of Music Festival, was fired by his board at a special meeting last night.
Our source adds that there are several other volunteer resignations as a result.
Miller has been the Executive Director for more than a decade.
The Gazette is following up on this story. Most of the people we have reached out to have gone to ground.
Update
The Gazette has been able to confirm that the Sound of Music Board parted ways with Dave Miller last night.
He said he also believed that several of the senior volunteers also left the organization.
In a comment during our short discussion Miller said that he wasn’t able to say much at this point in time but would have something to say in the future – and added that the future wasn’t going to be sometime next week.
 Sound of Music – an award winning event that draws thousand into the city is reported to have fired their Executive Director.
 By Pepper Parr
July 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
How does the Mayor get to use his Report to the citizens as part of his campaign to get re-elected as Mayor?
 The Mayor is given space on the city web site to report to the citizens of the city on decisions he makes and why he made them. Mayor Goldring’s practice has been to produce a report at least once a a month.
The Mayor is expected to use various media to speak to the public about decisions he has made and why he voted the way he did.
Nothing wrong with that – it is part of the job of being Mayor.
However, when his Updates are used to advance his electoral campaign he is stepping outside the lines.
In the most recent Update the Mayor chose to highlight part of his remarks in yellow in which he set out what one of his competitors for the Office of Mayor had said she wanted to see accepted in terms of height for a controversial downtown development.
The Mayor can and will campaign for re-election. He will discuss what he has done and what his competitors are doing on the campaign trail and in debates.
It is not appropriate for him to use media space given to him by the city to take a swipe at another candidate.
 The Mayor highlighted the views of a council member in yellow marker.
What makes this particularly tacky is that the Mayor published his update on Tuesday at 4:37 pm in which the words about Meed Ward were not highlighted in yellow.
He republished his Update on Wednesday at 6:03 pm – that is the version that has the highlighting.
It is actions like this that make election campaigns dirty.
 By Pepper Parr
July 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The citizens of ward 5 are going to be given a chance to choose between three candidates. The Gazette has not been able to reach Xin Yi Zhang for this article. We will follow up on that.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman is running for re-election in October. The incumbent Paul Sharman is going to have to adjust his sails if he is to catch enough wind to keep his seat and defeat newcomer Mary Alice St. James, the third candidate for the ward seat.
St. James is a retired school principal who taught at the Pinedale school in the ward and retired as principal from Pauline Johnson elementary school xx the ward.
St James does not actually live in the ward – her home is a couple of football lengths to the east of the ward. Other than that, and it isn’t that big a problem, Mayor Goldring didn’t live in the ward when he represented it, there isn’t much to complain about.
 It is a very big redevelopment that seems to have tried to stuff something into every square foot of space. She is a passionate defender of the community she lives in – doesn’t like what some of the builders are doing in her community and if what we heard at the Lakeside Village Plaza development presentation – she isn’t too keen on the height that is being proposed.
What St. James has going for her is a certain relentlessness – she just doesn’t quit.
 On bended knee – Ward 5 city council candidate Mary Alice St.James talks to residents about the re-development plans for the Lakeside Village Plaza. She recently turned 60 and bought a scooter and a helmet to get out and meet people. A group of people who were waiting outside a storefront at the Lakeside Village Plaza to look at a presentation of the planned redevelopment of the plaza were quite taken with St. James. She is social- able, affable and writes down everything she hears.
She listens intently, asks questions and probes. There is that school principal demeanour about her – you answer the questions she asks.
While talking to one senior who seemed to be looking for something to do – St James asked if she walked very much – she did – good said St James I’ll walk with you.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, running for re-election listen to a resident talking about the redevelopment of the Lakeside Village Plaza. For many St James will be a different experience than what incumbent Paul Sharman has delivered.
He is described as being condescending and leaves people feeling that they don’t really know very much. He too was working the room at which the Plaza re-development plans were being shown. He was at one end – St James at the other.
But they will be passing each other frequently. When these two debate – that will be something to watch.
By Staff
July 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Tuck this away – you might want to pull it out when the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hears an appeal of the city council decision to accept the staff proposal for the 409 Brant development where Reserve Properties asked for 23 stories and the city said 17 + amenities on an 18th floor was preferred.
In his report to the public the Mayor had this to say about his vote to accept the Staff recommendation.
Last night, Burlington City Council held our last meeting before heading into a summer break from formal meetings.
 A superb view of what the part of Brant Street south of James looks like today. Five years from now it might be a very different view. There has been a great deal of interest about a proposed development at the south-east corner of Brant and James, 409 Brant Street, that contains a number of buildings, including the current location of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe.
I believe many vital facts need to be shared as part of the overall discussion on this issue.
• The owner of the property has applied to the city for Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments to allow a 23 storey building plus an extra storey for rooftop amenities.
• The City of Burlington planning staff are not supportive of this application and have brought forward a modified approval of a 17 storey building that would feature significant public benefits including much wider sidewalks and public space at the intersection of Brant and James.
• Included in the recommendation is preserving the heritage look of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe as well as the Watchmaker shop on John Street, and a significant increase in retail space compared to what the developer brought forward. This retail space would be appropriate for any businesses interested in locating in downtown Burlington.
 Mayor Rick Goldring in conversation with the president of Reserve Properties. • While the new Official Plan policies are only informative, they are important in that they provide Council’s vision for development with new growth framework which affects the downtown. In the staff report on pages 25-33 there is considerable analysis using the adopted Official Plan that supports the modified approval for 17 storeys (plus a storey for rooftop amenity space).
• This recommendation is in sync with the newly adopted Official Plan and would be easily defensible if the developer appealed the council decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) and continued to push for the 23 storeys they applied for originally.
• If council approved the motion that Councillor Meed Ward brought forward for 11 storeys there is no guarantee that Kelly’s would be part of the redevelopment, and if the developer appealed this decision, there would be a good chance that the council decision could be overturned as there would be no clear rationale for the decision. Meaning, LPAT could side with the developer and approve their proposal of 23 storeys.
• Many have expressed concern about the impact of this development on Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. Kelly’s is in a leased building, and the rights for this property clearly rest with the owner, and if the owner wants to redevelop the site, it is their right to bring forward a development application, which they have. Kelly and the owner should honour the terms of Kelly’s lease. If the owner wants to end the contract early, Kelly’s needs to be treated fairly as stated in the lease, and that is the business between Kelly’s and the property owner.
• Council has asked city staff to work with Kelly’s to assist with finding a temporary location while the development is under construction if Kelly’s decides to move into the new development. Staff will assist in finding Kelly’s a new location in Burlington if that is the direction Kelly’s would like to take.
• At the November 1st Planning and Development Committee meeting, when we considered the proposal for 23 storeys at 421 Brant Street, I was unequivocal in my opposition based on some key points, and I’ll be consistent on this issue.
The conflict with the policy directions for this Special Policy Area which contained a 17 storey height limit.
I heard from many residents who told me the height was much too high for this area of Brant Street.
My concern for the possible precedent that it may create for this property at 409 Brant Street; and,
My opinion that a building height of up to 17 storeys would be more appropriate.
• The Saxony building, which is a 6 storey development features an average price per unit of over $1,000,000. Newer, taller developments like the Berkeley (17 storeys) or the Strata (22 storeys on Maple Ave.) feature units in the $600,000 range, making downtown more inclusive for residents desiring to live there. Therefore, a 17 storey building is more likely to include more moderately priced units than a building that have less height and units.
 Reserve Properties wanted 23 storeys – same as the approved structure on the north side of James Street. Council accepted a Staff recommendation to cut it down to 17 storeys. In summary, the developer has applied for a 23 storey building, and city staff recommended 17 storeys with all the benefits that are stated in the recommendation report, and the council supported the staff recommendation. Councillor Meed Ward wanted building height of 3-11 storeys, and Councillor Dennison stated that 14 storeys would be more preferable. The council is unanimous in the support for redevelopment of the site.
I supported staff’s recommendation at last night’s council meeting. This is responsive to the policy decisions that this Council recently made through the adopted Official Plan. The modified approval for 17 storeys is in line with the Council approved vision in the Plan, and it responds to the objections to the proposed 23 storeys that were heard from many residents in response to the initial proposal.
We are building a city for current generations along with our children and grandchildren, so that Burlington is an inclusive, environmentally and fiscally sustainable city for decades to come. I am confident that we are making the right decision today for the greater good of the city that I love.
Key phrases and paragraphs in this report are:
“…preserving the heritage look of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe” – All the public is going to get is the facade of what the building looked like – there is very little chance that Kelly’s will return when the construction of the condominium is completed. The developer expects to have to move the building a bit during construction. No one will be able to occupy the space.
This recommendation is in sync with the newly adopted Official Plan and would be easily defensible if the developer appealed the council decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) and continued to push for the 23 storeys they applied for originally. Those two words “easily defensible” may come back to bite the Mayor – assuming of course that he is re-elected.
 By Staff
July 18, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s time to put on a happy face and enjoy an evening of fun watching young people put on a performance.
It is young people acting in some cases for the first time – and they are good.
 They are guided and directed by the KooGle theatre people for a weekend of performances.
KooGle Theatre Company’s Youth Production of BYE BYE BIRDIE opens this Saturday, July 21
…Set in the late 1950’s, this irresistibly fun musical tells the story of a Rock ‘n Roll teen heartthrob recently drafted into the army who is about to give one last performance on the Ed Sullivan Show ~ which will make the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio ~ all shook up!
July 21
1:30pm and 6:30pm
July 22
1:30pm
Theatre Burlington, 2311 New St.
All tickets are $10 and are
General Admission Seating
To reserve your tickets, please call
905-633-8788 or email info@koogletheatre.com
 By Staff
July 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There are times when the city slogan – Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive., makes sense and actually applies to the city of Burlington.
 They packed the Mainway arena to talk about how Burlington could best welcome Syrians to the city. Back in December of 2015 the Mayor of Burlington called a public meeting public meeting on Syrian refugees to gauge what there was in terms of community support. Many were surprised at the size of the turnout – Mainway Arena was close to packed.
 The turnout was impressive. Eleeza at the time a 10 year old, stood to tell the audience that she was raising funds to buys toys for the children who were arriving at the airport. People began putting money in her hands.
Burlington was capable and more than ready to welcome the new comers.
Just over a year ago Rory Nisan arrange for a candle light vigil to be held in Civic Square to recognize the senseless slaughter of six people at a mosque in Quebec city.
The idea took on a life of its own and is now an annual event when different faith groups get together and celebrate what they have.
ONE BURLINGTON FESTIVAL: Building Bridges Between Faiths
The event is to take place in front of the Band shell next to Central Library on August 6 from noon – 4 p.m. In the event of rain, the festival will be moved inside Central Arena.
“I am excited for this Festival and have been meeting with Muslim friends from the mosque, Hindu and Jewish groups and a variety of Christian leaders – and we will be able to learn about different faiths and cultures while sampling many different ethnic foods,” said Rev. Orville James, minister of Wellington Square United Church.
 Osob Adus, Burlington Citizen of the Year and well-known community activist, said the festival is a way of knowing and embracing the beauty of all faith traditions and creating bridges between them.
“Mutual understanding and respect are the foundations for building communities across the borders of difference,” said Adus, a Muslim.
Now in its second year, One Burlington Festival was initially held as a response to the Quebec City mosque mass shooting that occurred the evening of January 29, 2017 at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City.
This year, the festival will open with an Interfaith prayer led by five clergy representing different faiths. An Indigenous smudging ceremony will follow.
Throughout the afternoon, along with free food, entertainment from different cultures will be featured. Performers include local singer-song writer Kim Verrall and violinist Sophie Huang; the Burlington Slam Poets who are celebrating their 10th anniversary; First Nations performer Jimmy Dick and his family and dance groups from the Sikh, Persian and Afro-Canadian communities.
 Children’s activities and games include compiling a faith passport for which every child will earn an ecologically-friendly prize.
The ecological theme of this year’s festival focuses on building an understanding of the connections between faith and ecology. Everything from Eco-dinnerware to a green clean-up team are embedded in this year’s event.
By Pepper Parr
July 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We just might be hearing the phrase “Common Sense Coalition” when the municipal election gets more active .
There are candidates who are getting together and talking about identifying themselves as a coalition where they will have a statement they all endorse that is city wide.
The individual candidates will then have issues they want to identify and work with within their own wards.
The people behind this idea point out that there is nothing partisan about what they want to do. “We are just candidates for public office that want to tell the public that we can work together and avoid the rancor that exists on the council we have now.”
One of the concerns the Gazette hears again and again is the lack of civility at council meetings. There are some very very poor relationships between some council members. There are two that just will not let up – they go at each other as if there were working on a long standing family feud.
 Citizens standing for the National Anthem at the start of a council meeting. Twelve people delegated – not many smiles from even one of them. We hear from people who have delegated at council and say that they will never do that again. They felt they were humiliated and not respected. Some people don’t have experience delegating and they are nervous, lose their train of thought and then wander off from the issue.
There is the sense that the delegator and the council member come across as combatants – the council members don’t come across as leaders.
Frequently a council member challenges a delegator in a dismissive diminishing manner.
There is rarely the sense that they are all in the room to achieve the same goal.
On Monday there were people delegating and talking about how well their community worked for them. They were the personification of that phrase city hall trots out with every media release: Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive. A comment from a Georgian Court reader went like this: “Our city counselors totally let us down, and in the process were disrespectful. I have lost all faith and confidence in our city government”.
 Walter Mulkewich  Rob MacIsaac When we meet with people we ask: Who is the best Mayor the city had in the past? Rob MacIsaac and Walter Mulkewich are always at the top of the list. “Rob was always informed, knew what he was talking about and was a pleasure to work with” was the way one citizen described a past Mayor.
During a conversation with someone who knows MacIsaac well told us that he was at an event with MacIsaac recently and asked him which of the several jobs he has had in the past did he like the most. We were told that MacIsaac said he had fund while he was Mayor.
One seldom gets the sense that anyone is having any fun at city hall. The planners are almost under siege. They are over worked – the development applications arrive almost daily.
 At times the work for the planners is both exciting and challenging but the pace is relentless and fatigue sets in.
City Council is off for the month of August – the planners aren’t going to have that luxury.
Perhaps Parks and Recreation could put on an event for the Planning department – let them all hop onto a trampoline and just have fun.
How about the City Manager on a trampoline? That might be asking for too much!
Salt with Pepper is the opinions, reflections, musings and observations of the Gazette publisher.
By Pepper Parr
July 17th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a bus that runs along Dundas Street – many of the residents at Georgina Court feel their city council threw them underneath that bus when they made a decision to approve a development they feel is going to change the community they live in.
In their application to the city for changes to a development that was going to add semi detached homes and town houses to the single detached dwellings.
 It is a community of safe streets where the children can play and neighbours can gather. The only park is more than a km away. The file goes back to a pre-application consultation meeting that was held on December 7, 2016
Weston Consulting is the planning consultant for Bloomfield Developments Inc, the owner of the lands located at 5219 Upper Middle Road, 204 Georgina Court, 205 Georgina Court.
 The density and the type of housing is what has the neighbours upset. They don’t feel the form fits the existing community. And the traffic issues are a major concern. They were retained to provide planning assistance and coordinate the submission of development applications for the subject property to permit the construction of 22 residential dwellings including eight (8) semi-detached freehold units and fourteen (14) condominium townhouse units. The proposed development will provide two parking spaces per dwelling unit (one driveway, one garage) and five (5) surface visitor parking spaces for the condominium component. At this time, we are pleased to submit an application for a Zoning By-law Amendment to permit the proposed development.
There were a number of issues about this development. The biggest was traffic and the impact that would have on the families already settled in a development that started in the late 1990’s, with the very first home being occupied in 1997.
But there was another issues – and that was whether or not the development was suited to the existing single detached homes
What was being proposed was semi’s and town-homes and that didn’t seem to fit right with the residents.
Councillor Rick Craven (Ward 1 – Aldershot) told a city council meeting Monday evening that townhouses and semi-detached homes were the new norm – people should get used to them.
When the development application was submitted there were cheques for $33,155, $950, and $4,300, payable to the City of Burlington and Region of Halton, respectively.
 The developer assembled several parcels of land to create the site The debate and the delegations Monday evening were sound and sincere; people saw major changes taking place in the way they would live their lives and raise their families.
The residents thought there was a solution. Open up a road that would take traffic on to Upper Middle Road. Seemed sensible but the rules that govern what can be done with Upper Middle is a Regional issues.
During the debate the residents expected their city Councillors to work for them and get the road opening they felt was fair.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman Before voting for what the developer wanted ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman said they had asked the Region to allow the road and were told that there was a bylaw preventing just that and that Regional Staff would not support such an application.
Changing by laws is something municipal government do all the time.
The Sharman answer struck this reporter as pretty limp.
Let’s take a closer look at this one.
 By Roland Tanner
July 17,2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Before I begin I just want to recognize the futility of the exercise we are engaged in tonight. I doubt very much that there is anybody in this room who has not made up their mind about this development.
Delegations will be read, and votes will be cast, but the former will have no impact on the latter. I honestly don’t say that as a criticism, I simply say it as a matter of fact. Whatever happens at the election this year, let’s all please commit, citizens, Council, City Staff, to find a better way of doing this in the future. A way that finally gets all sides talking and listening together. Win or lose, I promise I’ll be willing to help.
Moving on. Last week we heard the argument that it is the Province, and the new Provincial Growth Plan, that is forcing the city to accept 17 storeys or more, on this location.
There are two reasons why I believe that argument is incorrect.
First, the Special Planning Area in the Brant Street Precinct is zoned for 17 storeys by the new Official Plan for one reason and one reason only. By allowing greater height, the City is seeking to trade developers for an enhanced public space near City Hall to augment the current civic square. That objective has nothing to do with the Province, or with the Places to Grow Act, or the Growth Plan.
But for that objective, 409 Brant street and associated lots would be zoned for a maximum of 11 storeys with a 45 degree setback from Brant to John St, along with the rest of the Brant St precinct. That lower height, by the City’s own argument, not mine, is a defensible level of intensification under the Growth Plan.
I reiterate. That is the City’s position, and the City’s argument, not mine.
Second. The delegation on behalf of the developer last week by Mr Bronskill made a novel legal argument, and one which has yet to be tested at the LPAT. That legal argument was that the wording of Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe obliges cities to ‘optimize’ intensification on any lot. The developer is entitled to their opinion, but I will argue that Mr Bronskill’s argument is very far from one that Council should endorse. And yet his argument went unchallenged.
In fact the Provincial Growth Plan uses the word ‘Optimize’ exactly ONE TIME with regard to intensification. I will quote the sentence in full.
“It is important to optimize the use of the existing urban land supply as well as the existing building and housing stock to avoid further over designating land for future urban development.”
This sentence is almost identical to the 2006 Growth Plan. It differs only in the addition of nine words ‘as well as the existing building and housing stock’.
In other words there is clearly no intent whatsoever to cause a wholesale reinterpretation of what is permitted for intensification on any single assembly of land. Instead we still have only the standard requirement for Intensification which has been in place since the Places to Grow Act.
So, having dispensed with those two arguments that the height of 409 Brant Street is not in the City’s control, what are we left with?
We are left with an area which has been zoned by the City at 17 storeys, but could equally have been zoned for 3 to 11, with a 45 degree setback. The City’s own logic, not my logic, argues that a lower height is a defensible position to take to any future appeal at the LPAT. I am not cynically arguing what I think residents want to hear, I am arguing from the City’s own position used in the creation of the new Official Plan.
The City has the power. It should also have the will. I ask again: please reject the staff recommendation, and consider removing the lands under discussion from the Special Planning Area and zoning them according to remainder of the Brant Street Precinct.
 Roland Tanner Roland Tanner is a candidate for the ward 2 seat on city council. He is a history scholar and one of the very few candidates for council seats to speak out and delegate.
By Pepper Parr
July 17th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Joelle Goddard-Cooling said it all – “I can see that the writing is on the wall” – Brant Street is going to have at least two tall buildings opposite city hall.
Despite strong arguments for something significantly different, Ward 2 city Councillor and candidate for Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, city council voted 5-2 to approve the Staff Recommendation for a 17 storey building with an additional floor with amenities
 Joelle’s on Brant Cooling, in a letter to members of Council said she and her husband operate a business on Brant Street and are “bracing ourselves for years of construction, noise, traffic interruption, mess, parking issues, loss of business. With my resident hat on, I have spoken to many of my friends and neighbours downtown and concern is very real – I hear that “this is not why we moved here” a lot.
“That being said, we have chosen to do business here and have had continued growth in our business for twenty two years this September. We landed at 457 Brant Street after three previous moves, at that time there were very few businesses surrounding us. We have been given credit for encouraging some of the revival we saw happening on Brant Street over 15 years ago. In fact, I personally was presented with a Queen’s Jubilee Award for my encouragement, mentoring, BDBA volunteering and genuine marketing and promotion for the downtown. We have watched businesses come and go, developers assemble parcels and leave unsightly empty spaces and we have also watched businesses come and thrive.
 Centre Market tucked in a parking lot for Sunday only operations – gives the core a level of civility other parts of the city just don’t have. “Development on Brant will definitely displace some of the anchor, destination businesses – ones that have created like minded environments for our longtime customers and who support downtown through lease hold improvements, street beautification and branding and marketing. A shining example is the Centro market every Sunday which suits the customer we are all trying to attract and which provides and amazing sense of community for the local residents.
“This is a lot of work for the organizers and volunteers and it is not a money making opportunity for Centro but a genuine community benefit. I have spoken to numerous other business owners who have shared their thoughts with me. Some have a good relationship with their property owner and are actively contemplating relocation. Others with a deep history confessed their worry with options of retirement, bankruptcy, and the challenges & uncertainty through the construction years.
“Those new to the retail area have hedged their bets on our amazing downtown and I can’t answer their questions on if Brant Street will be down to one lane through the construction? What types of retail can we look forward to once these building are erected? It seems that it has been difficult to fill this type of space over at Pearl and Pine.
Will there be many small spaces for (higher than now) rent in the future? What stipulations are being put into place to ensure that what goes in has value to all of the new residents and helps to build a sustainable downtown – the one that is visioned?
“Will we have additional police presence, garbage and street cleanup and snow removal? Will city staff, the developers, the BDBA, Economic Development and the residents be able to work together to address all of these issues and concerns? We have loading zone issues and parking struggles now. These are all priorities to businesses new, old and to come.
 Keeping it all there is the challenge. “What can we do now to set up the downtown for success in the future? Discussions with Brian Dean recommend that you endorse a retail study by the BEDC, with the support of BDBA that takes a true and very hard look at current and future retail trends downtown.
“This is mandatory as a tool to guide redevelopment. It will outline the need to retain successful businesses, adapt the size of commercial units to meet the needs of small business, help existing and future business understand the impact of demographics and spending habits of the next generation of downtown residents. It will guide and help the BDBA in partnership with commercial developers better merchandise and recruit meaningful and sustainable businesses that will help to optimize our commercial mix.
“I will go one step further and ask that you consult with the retail, service and hospitality experts that already exist downtown who are very aware of who their customer is and what is needed to flourish. Value in this study is through internal resources – we are at a critical point where the people that live this every day need to have their retail experience leveraged. We would welcome this opportunity.
To recap, here are some of the concerns we hope can be addressed:
Transition planning and support for the current tenants – relocation, assistance through construction street closures – giving this business value and seeking their input
Sidewalk closures – we need the sidewalks open, this construction will create a dead retail space from the Elgin Promenade to Centro if not kept as a pedestrian through way on both sides of the street
Parking lane closures cannot happen, parking is a huge issue now and during construction
What is the traffic flow plan? The traffic study was highly defended last Tuesday night but people are not buying it. We need confidence in a plan here.
Loading zones – how do we attract businesses that will sustain a walkable community without these?
Cleanliness, Beautification and Pollution. Our streetscape has been neglected for years while undergoing the streetscape study, now with the development we are told to wait until the development is done to fix the sidewalks. We have been the closest to the development of the Berkley – what will be done to keep Brant Street enjoyable under the unavoidable noise, congestion, construction materials, detours etc pollution?
How is the coordination of TWO tall buildings AND a hydro burying project on James going to be managed by the City?
To maintain some beauty in the area, empty storefronts need to be addressed. How about working with the property owners and developers to utilize space in a positive way – ie pop ups, creative art installations, a unified expectation of maintenance and appearance, pest control, co-operation with the BDBA for improved window coverings or branding? What can we expect here?
General Safety of the area is a concern, we know the City works hard to keep us safe, we did experience a gas line problem at the John & Caroline site and it was scary. We need a sense of protection for emergency management – ie power failure, gas lines, water table issues
Vibrancy? Will the developments be built in a way that will accommodate rooftop or first floor restaurants? Will there be attention made to create the charm and character desired by the residents at the first floor level? Will the public space be useful – what will be happening here in the open area(s) that isn’t happening in the Elgin Promenade or City Hall open area(s)?
 Joelle Goddard Cooling “We have talked heard the phrase win-win the past few weeks. Residents, business owners and everyone who cares wants to be involved. I truly hope that beyond the mandated development this council put value in what exists here now and has been here in the past.”
By Pepper Parr
July 16th, 2108
BURLINGTON, ON
While Burlington’s city council gets ready to decide just how high the second tower opposite city hall is going to be the Burlington Mall folks on Guelph Line at Fairview continue with the refurbishment of the Mall that is celebrating their 50th anniversary.
The Burlington Mall has gone through a rough patch – every mall in the country shared this experience when the Zellers leases were sold and the brand disappeared. Target came into the Canadian market – they didn’t last all that long.
Mall managers across the country realized that their business model was in the process of going through a profound change. Amazon and dozens of other on line operations were taking away a lot of the business the traditional bricks and mortar stores had enjoyed.
 Architects rendering of the Mall when it is completed. Mall marketing managers had to begin to find ways to bring people back to the malls and give them reasons for spending more time and making the mall more of a destination.
 Heidi McGaw – Burlington Mall’s General Manager – all the problems land on her desk. Heidi McGaw, General Manager of the Burlington Mall worked with her team and put together a re-development program that brought a large food store – Denninger’s and a class act bookstore Indigo to the mall.
Winners and Starbucks were also added to the client list. There is a patio outside the Starbucks location.
There is a new section of the mall was created to house family restaurants.
McGaw has been in real estate management for more than 20 years and has seen it all.
Her role at the Burlington Mall is to differentiate that operation from the other large Mall in the city.
 “The loss of the Target operation allowed us to be creative. A major specialty food operation is not traditional for a mall. The space we created for the five restaurants is also not what malls have done in the past. The approach to restaurants has been a food court. The change we are bringing about is five different restaurants – Mr. Greek, 5 Guys and Blaze Pizza”. Two others that McGaw wasn’t prepared to identify will be announced soon.
The retail mix will include more in the way of services (travel, health) and home décor. The Burlington mall doesn’t see itself as a fashion destination.
There are plans to work with the Joseph Brant Hospital and Burlington Green and make them part of the community that is being created at the mall.
There is the 24 hour Good Life gymnasium operation which many appreciate.
 Architects drawing of a spruced up mall with new seating areas and comfortable seats. The seating in the concourse areas, which are very wide, will be much more inviting. Gone are the plastic and hard bench look and feel. The chairs are of a modern design, well upholstered and comfortable looking. Mall.
Every Christmas Santa arrives in a helicopter – the mall has been doing this for quite a while. They are now reaching deeper into the community and bringing some of what goes on downtown up to the Fairview location.
 Sound of Music performers kicking up a storm in one of the Burlington Mall concourses. Part of the reaching out to the community that the Mall will be doing. Two of the acts that were part of the Sound of Music put on a performance in June.
The Annual Terry Fox Run will have a team made up of Mall merchants. Craig Gardner, organizer of the event this year, told the Gazette he would be working with the Mall management to let people know more about the history of the Terry Fox run and what it has meant for Burlington.
Some of the Terry Fox fund raising may be done at the mall.
With the new tenants there was also a new branding that will be revealed to the public early in August.
 The Fisher Farm that was sold to a real estate developer who built the Burlington Mall 50 years ago. The Burlington Mall opened 50 years ago on land that was once known as the Fisher Farm. There are still hundreds of Burlingtonians who remember working on that farm. There are those that remember attending the Fisher elementary school that was on the west side of Guelph Line north of the underpass.
McGaw mentions that $60 million is being invested in the upgrades. We think we’ve got it right but retail is a constantly changing business – our approach is to be nimble and be able to react quickly to the changing needs of our customer base.
The Grand reveal will take place in August.
By Staff
July 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The scammers never stop. One of the reasons they keep doing what they do (take your money from you) is because the tricks they use actually work. People respond to those emails that tell you your Netflix account has been shut down or there is a problem with your bank account and you have to get in touch with them right away.
 The scammers are getting better. There was a time that either the spelling errors or the grammar was so bad that you knew it didn’t come from a bank. They have gotten better with the message they send. The Gazette maintains a couple of identities that give us a chance t see what the average Canadians gets. This one came in yesterday:
Dear User
Just to let you know that we noticed unusual activities on your online account during our regular update today. It is either your details have been changed or incomplete.
As a result of the technical issues detected your online account has been temporarily suspended. You are therefore required to verify your details to regain access to online service. Please click the link below in order to regain instant access.
Click here to regain access
The moment to click on that line you will have begun the process of giving the scammer some of the information they need to get access to your bank account. It does happen. Read one of the really sad stories of someone whose bank account was compromised.
TD Canada Trust.
Disclaimer
This email was sent from a notification-only address that does not accept email replies. Please do not reply directly to this email.
Rule number 1; if in doubt – don’t.
Rule number 2 – your bank will not send you this kind of email. They will telephone you.
By Pepper Parr
July 15th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A source that does have a vested interest in the outcome of the municipal election in October advised us yesterday that he can confirm Frank McKeown, the recently retired executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation, has taken on the task of being chief strategist for current Mayor Rick Golding who is seeking a third term.
 Frank McKeown. McKeown was once the Chief of Staff during the first two years of Goldring’s first term, 2010 to 2014 and is believed to have been the person who wrote the several position papers that Goldring issued during the 2010 election. They were good papers and set out issues the Mayor was able to deliver on.
The creation of Tech Place was a Goldring initiative in the 2010 election. After leaving the Mayor’s office McKeown was appointed the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation where he did the grunt work that got Tech Place on the map.
His initial objective was to work with the McMaster De Groote School of Business and create a partnership with the German Fraunhofer Group and establish a Centre at De Groote; that didn’t work out. The German group partnered with the Innovation Centre in Hamilton.
TechPlace, where the tech community connects, develops and grows, has worked out. There are now a reported seven “clients” working out of the offices on the North Service Road in the east end of the city.
Goldring’s re-election campaign is being managed by David Vandenburg. At one point there was the hint that Martin van Zon of Burlington based Interkom Smart Marketing would be playing a large role in the campaign. That idea didn’t go very far.
 Mayor Rick Goldring at his campaign kick off. The chatter amongst those that follow the election is that Golding is not holding his own and that Mike Wallace, with very little in the way of public comment on significant development matters, is doing better than many expected.
There is nothing to substantiate that view but bringing McKeown on at this point in the campaign suggests that a Goldring feels he needs some bench strength.
McKeown has never been a fan of the approach ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward takes to development in the downtown core.
On the occasions when McKeown has delegated at city council his body language and the responses he gives Meed Ward to many of her questions speaks volumes. There has never been a good working relationship between those two.
There was a point in 2013 when McKeown was giving serious thought to a run at the Mayor’s job. His decision not to enter the political arena at the time was that he felt the morale at city hall was toxic.
 Frank McKeown explains a concept to Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman. McKeown was described as the 7th council member during the 2011Strategic Plan sessions. McKeown is a team player; quiet, soft spoken with the capacity to deliver. McKeown doesn’t have to work another day of his life. He is in that fortunate position of being able to decide what he wants to do and nothing is Ok with him rather than taking on a useless task.
His relationship with Goldring is not all that clear. You can bet that McKeown didn’t volunteer to serve as the lead strategist – my guess is that he got a phone call and rather than see either Meed Ward or Wallace be elected as Mayor he joined Goldring’s team.
McKeown is direct, he thinks things through and when he has questions or concerns he gets out of the office and looks into situations himself. He has few pretensions; he’s the kind of guy who can be in a room and you never know he is there.
 Ward 2 city Councillor Mary Anne Meed Ward is a candidate for the Office of Mayor in the October election Both Meed Ward and Wallace will know that there is now some weight on the Goldring bench; the concerns all three candidates have with the performances coming out of the Planning department will be high on the campaign strategy agenda for Goldring.
Will having McKeown be enough to shore up the Golding position? There is more than enough time to fix whatever flaws there might be in the Goldring team.
 Mike Wallace in full campaign mode. Wallace has much more bench strength than many realize.
Meed Ward desperately needs some bench strength on the realities of real estate development.
The city now has a public that is unhappy, somewhat confused and determined to do as much as they can to bring about a change.
 Frank McKeown attempts to fix the clock in Council Chambers. He is a detail type – get it right and keep it on time. McKeown is the kind of strategist who not only knows that you get in front of the parade and lead; he can be expected to come up with ideas and directions to slow down the pace of the parade and get the band to play a different tune.
Goldring opens his campaign office early in August – he announced it will be in the Plaza on Guelph Line at New Street – next to the Tim Hortons shop. They got that part right.
There is more than enough time to fix whatever flaws there might be in the Goldring team.
Wallace has much more bench strength than many realize.
Meed Ward desperately needs some bench strength on the realities of real estate development.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the view, musings and observations of the Gazette publisher.
 By Staff
July 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It was getting discouraging. The home team could always be found at the bottom of the standings.
Why were the results so dismal?
Then, from almost out of nowhere, the Burlington Herd come pounding back and beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 for their second win in a row.
The Herd got the win, their first at Christie Pits this season, just 24 hours after thumping the first-place Kitchener Panthers 11-4 to improve their record to 9-17.
 Say that again – The Herd beat the first place team with a resounding 11-4 win.
So why are they in the bottom of the league?
Maybe things have begun to turn around for the team?
Or maybe it was the threat of moving the team to Welland that inspired the players.
Related news story:
Herd president investigates what Welland Stadium has to offer.
 By Staff
July 14th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: Police are continuing to investigate the discovery of a mans body found floating in Lake Ontario just east of the Burlington pier.
The deceased has been identified as a 45-year-old man from Burlington however his name is not being released at this time as efforts are still underway to notify Next-of-Kin.
The circumstances leading to his death remain under investigation and will include a post mortem examination.
There is nothing obviously suspicious however investigators will continue to seek CCTV video and canvass the area for witnesses.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact A/Det. Candido Moniz of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2312.
 The body was seen floating to the east of the pier Just after 6:00 pm a citizen called 911 to report seeing a body floating approximately 15-20 feet from the shore in the water of Lake Ontario just east of the Burlington Pier.
Police responded along with EMS and the body of a male was pulled to shore and was deceased.
Investigators are on scene awaiting the arrival of the coroner. At this time there are no further details available.
An update will be provided as information becomes available.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Burlington Staff Sergeant at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2310 or the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2316.
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