Residents opposed to a city hall decision told they cannot meet at city hall.

Newsflash 100By Staff

November 23, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Jim Young sent us a note earlier today – a group of people who are very unhappy with city council’s decision to approve a 23 storey tower on Brant Street opposite city hall want to find a way to appeal that decision to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Jim Young

Jim Young

Young is the Aldershot resident who took city council to task over their attempt to limit delegations to five minutes from the current practice of ten minutes.

421 Brant

421 Brant – a 23 storey tower approved by city council by a 5-2 vote.

He mentioned to us that the group, Engaged Citizens in Burlington, planned a meeting under very short notice – it was to take place at City Hall, but had to be hastily rearranged when city officials banned the group from using the city hall room.

Banning seems to have become a bit of a practice at city hall. It can only be described as an astonishing decision by people who have a limited understanding of what community engagement really means.

The group was able to pivot quickly and will hold their meeting on Saturday, November 25th at Bunton’s Wharf, Brant St. and Lakeshore, 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. The entrance to the building is on the Brant Street side

Young describes the now approved tower as a “23 story monstrosity, so out of character, in conflict with city height bylaws and opposed by 1435 signatures on a petition collected over just one week, may be the final straw for people who are opposed to downtown development.

Both the Gazette and Spectator columnist Joan Little have written about the need for new forms of engagement in Burlington

Little suggested it may be time for the good people of Burlington to organize to fight back against their city council’s refusal to listen to their concerns. Citizens feel ignored on new street bike lanes, under funding for transit, lake shore hotels and condo developments and most recently on the 23 story tower on Brant Street just across from City Hall.

City hall has this annoying habit of thinking that if you say something often enough it will become true.  In the comments made by the judges hat gave the reward they said:

 

  • The city knows “How to make P2 a part of everyday practice in the city of Burlington, through the Burlington Community Engagement Charter adopted in April 2013. Engagement was included as a strategic direction in 2016 Strategic Plan.”
  • “Employees now ask how to engage — not whether.”
  • “Engagement is part of the annual budget, has a dedicated, full-time staff person, and communications personnel promote and coach on P2.”
  • “Demonstrates an organizational long-term commitment to P2, beginning in 2013 and now enshrined in the 25-year Strategic Plan.”

Really!

 

Related article:

Young takes city council to task.

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Courts take three years to find a Burlington electrical contractor guilty of unfair practices.

Crime 100By Staff

November 18, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The provincial Ministry of Government and Consumer Services charged a Burlington contractor for unfair practices that took place in September of 2014 – a conviction was handed down in provincial court recently.

Burlington Court House

Provincial Court – Burlington.

Justin Smith, operating as D & S Electrical Contractors accepted a deposit to supply and install a generator at a consumer’s residence. Work commenced, but was not completed and the generator was never delivered or installed.

On September 21, 2017 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton by Justice of the Peace Paul Welsh imposed the following against Mr. Smith:

• Payment of $7,500 in restitution to the consumer
• Two-year probation with terms of restitution, a reporting requirement and reporting an address change

Consumer Protection Ontario suggests deposits should be no more than 10% of the estimated cost.

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Administrative Review of the process used to determine whether or not to close two Burlington begins this evening; PARC members take part in a private meeting.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

November 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Notice of Meeting was sent to Scott Podrebarac chair of the Program Accommodation Review (PAR) and to members of the Program Accommodation Review Committee (PARC).

It was sent on behalf of Margaret Wilson, Ministry of Education appointed Reviewer of the Burlington PAR

The language was stiff and stilted bit it did set out clearly what was going to happen.

Liz Sandals and Margaret Wilson

Liz Sandals.ember of the Wynne government cabinet introduces Margaret Wilson.

“Margaret Wilson has been appointed by the Minister of Education to examine the Burlington PARC process relative to the Halton District School Board Program Accommodation Review (PAR) policy.

“Ms Wilson has been charged with the responsibility to review the process and has no authority to change the decision of the trustees of the Halton District School Board

“The purpose of this communication is to provide the details of the private PAR committee members meeting which is to take place, Wednesday, November 22, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Lockhart Room, New Street Education Centre.”

The Agenda starts with an introduction to the PAR process that will be given by Margaret Wilson followed by the introduction of the 14 members of the PAR committee members.

That is followed by feedback from the PAR committee members that will include brief remarks from each of the PAR committee members related to the PARC process – three minutes per presentation.
Then there is open discussion

The session ends with closing remarks from Margaret Wilson.

Neither media nor the public will be present at this meeting as it is private to members of the PARC.

On Thursday, the 23rd and on Tuesday the 28th parents from the schools get their chance to tell Wilson what they thought of the PAR process.

PARC with options on the walls

PAR committee members in one of the seven public sessions they participated in – they were never able to reach a consensus.

Time slots will be set aside for a spokesperson from the two schools that are scheduled to close; parents from any high school in the city are permitted to speak at these two meetings. Each speaker has three minutes to speak.

The presentation from the Bateman and Pearson high school parents get 10 minutes to make their point.
Wilson will not want to hear how unfair the decision to close a school might have been – she is there to review the process – did the HDSB follow the policy that was in place?

HDSB Parents at PARC 1 Jan 26-17

HDSB parents at PARC meeting looking less than impressed.

This is a very difficult for many parents to get their heads around – they are arguing that it is the process that was faulty to begin with.

Board of Education staff were not forgotten in this process. Ms Wilson met with all the Superintendents to set out for them their role in the review process. She explained to them what they can do and what they cannot do.
Ms Wilson will have gone over literally every piece of information. She will meet with the Chair of the PAR.

Miller prep at Central

HDSB Director of Education at one of the many public meetings he took [part in.

Stuart Miller got a call from the Ministry of Education that gave him his marching orders. The Review is a Ministry of Education initiative that came about when parents from Robert Bateman high school and Lester B. Pearson high school requested an Administrative Review of the process that was used.

The role of the Board of Education – both staff and trustees is to step aside and let the Review take place.
A number of school boards across the province requested Administrative Reviews – the Halton Board schools were the only ones that got a positive response.

There are all kinds of theories floating around the community.

Many feel that the Ministry now realizes that the procedure they put in place for the school boards to follow was flawed and as a result of the realization the Ministry ordered the no new PAR’s be put in place.

Will the Wilson report touch on that point or will she write a report that says the Board followed the rules – can she say that the rules were less than fair and couldn’t result in a fair decision?

Will the Ministry realize that their guide lines – regulations were flawed and first change them and then direct the school boards to hold new PAR’s?

four-trustees

From the left: Trustees Papin, Reynolds, Ehl Harris and Grebenc observing one of the public meetings.

Where do the trustees fit into all this? They are the elected leaders of the Board – they set policy and decide where a school is to be built and where a school is to be closed.

Those who paid close attention to the way the HDSB handled the issue quickly came to the conclusion that the Halton Board trustees were not up to the job.

Would a second PAR be under the same procedures that didn’t work the first time?

While Burlington works its way through the Review – the province looks months ahead to June when there will be a provincial election. If the public elects a new government and makes Patrick Brown the Premier expect a significantly different set of education policies to be put in place.

The Pearson and Bateman high school parent groups are taking much different approaches to the Review process. Pearson is using a data approach while the Bateman parents are using a human rights approach.

There was a time when the two parent groups worked together but that didn’t last very long. Now there are reported rifts between the parents in the Bateman group. Some describe the Bateman parent leadership as “obsessed”.

The better observers seem to be coming around to the view that the process was indeed flawed and that the Ministry of Education has admitted as much.

Choosing Margaret Wilson as the Reviewer for the HDSB situation and the consultant who wrote a stinging report on practices and procedures at the Toronto Board of Education, suggests to these observers that she will ferret out all the concerns and give the Ministry as report that will allow them to revise the PAR process.

Steve Armstrong + Cheryl deLught - Pearson

Pearson parents at a Board of Education meeting.

Will that result in a decision to have the Halton District School Board to do a second PAR? And how long will that take – and what will happen to the work being done now to integrate the Pearson students into M.M. Robinson.

Pearson is scheduled to be closed in June of 2018.

Interesting times ahead.

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Three Men Arrested for Bank Robberies in Burlington and Oakville on the same day.

Crime 100By Staff

November 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

On November 21, 2017 at 9:50 am, two masked men entered the Royal Bank of Canada, located at 2025 William O’Connell Boulevard, Burlington.

They indicated they were armed and demanded money. The two men were unsuccessful in obtaining money and quickly fled that Royal Bank of Canada.

At 10:46 am, the same two masked men entered the TD Canada Trust, located at 2325 Trafalgar Road, Oakville.

This time, the two men received an undisclosed amount of money and fled to an awaiting Mazda 3 driven by a third culprit.

The Halton Regional Police Service quickly responded to the area and successfully followed the three culprits to a commercial plaza located at the intersection of Burnhamthorpe Road West and Creditview Road, Mississauga.

All three culprits were safely arrested. Officers recovered a replica firearm, the undisclosed amount of money, clothing worn during the robberies, the Mazda 3 and a small amount of marijuana.

All three were transported to the Oakville police station where they were held in custody pending a bail hearing. The three culprits are expected to appear for a bail hearing at the Milton courthouse on November 22, 2017.

Arrested and Charged:

1. Abdeljhafour HOUEM (19) of Mississauga has been charged with:
• Robbery (3 counts)
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)

2. Kadir AIDARUS (18) of Mississauga has been charged with:
• Robbery (3 counts)
• Wearing a disguise during the commission of an indictable offence (2 counts)
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

A male youth (17) of Mississauga has been charged with:

• Robbery (3 counts)
• Wearing a disguise during the commission of an indictable offence (2 counts)
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Autumn Mills of the 2 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext: 2285. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

The Regional police contact officer on this case is: D/Constable Autumn Mills, 2 District Criminal Investigation Bureau , 905-825-4747 ext: 2285

Be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Was my Netflicks service at risk - nope - it was just a crafty Identity Theft attempt

IDTHEFT 100X100By Pepper Parr

November 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

They had my attention.

The moment I saw that Netflix logo on the screen I immediately went to the Netflix bookmark to see if there was a problem with my service.

Whew! There was nothing wrong with the service – the email was an attempt to steal some of my identity. All they had so far was an email address – I didn’t want them to have even that much but they picked it up somewhere – part of what we have to put up with in this digital age.

netflix logoI am really enjoying the multi-episode feature – The Fall with Gillian Anderson – she of XFiles fame.

The Identity Thieves are getting craftier – be careful – don’t let them learn anything about you. They will create a profile of you and when they reach a certain point they will begin probing and see if they can get credit card or banking information.

One of the protections you can create is to use a pre-paid credit card. It really isn’t credit but it allows you to pay people who use credit cards as their form of collecting for services they provide.

With a Prepaid credit card you control the amount on the card – you can re-load it almost instantly.

Ask you banker to set one up for you.

This is the email that sent me to my bookmarks.


Netflix scam

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Environmentalist tells audience that there is still time.

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

November 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

I describe Cameron Brown as the “warm up band” for David Suzuki’s presentation at the Performing Arts Centre last night.

Cameron Brown BG Nov 2017 smile

Cameron Brown – intense and direct, motivates a Burlington audience.

Brown is an intense young Australian who was touring Canada and was available. Burlington Green added him to the program – the audience got a no holds barred talk from a deeply committed environmentalist.

Cameron Brown is a motivational story teller who plays the piano and makes really bold statements.

“You have to run everything you do through three filters” advises Brown: “What does what I am doing do for me; what does it do for others and what does it do for the plant.”

Brown will tell you that “ it is really that simple”.

While Brown is part of the program that features Dr. David Suzuki, he has never met the man and had yet to have a conversation with him. They certainly share the same environmental committement.
Brown talks about human behaviour and emotional intelligence and the need for society to make intelligent decisions.

Brown’s passion is to get people to “experience” the environment.

While Brown isn’t into owning “stuff” he does love his drone. He uses it to “experience” the environment and as a teaching tool when he is in parts of the world where electricity is limited and the drinking water is nowhere near what we take for granted in Canada.

The kids I work with are cool about saving the planet; it is one of the ways the find themselves – the are “fricken awesome”

BG event Nov 2017 - group

Making an event happen takes a team of people – those that made the Connect the Dots sessions work line up for their photo op.

Brown created a corporation – The Thriving Collective – that is committed to making a positive impact in the world, and was built for those dedicated to using their own unique talents and strengths to do the same.

Cameron Brown - side view

Cameron Brown

“I believe” said Brown “that every person has the potential to use what they’ve been given in this life, to create positive change and succeed in a way that only they can.

“When someone is thriving in their lives both personally and professionally, they’re in flow, they’re doing their best work, they are happier, more connected, higher performing and highly productive.”

It would be hard to find better or more fitting words to close the evening event at the Performing Arts Centre where Brown played music with the theme “There’s Still Time”.

We certainly hope so.

Related news story – Suzuki talks.

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Identity thieves reach out to Royal Bank customers - not something you want to respond to.

Crime 100By Staff

November 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Getting something from your bank that starts by calling you an “Esteemed Customer” tells you that the writer of the note knows nothing about banks in Canada.

This most recent attempt at Identity Theft got sent out to as many names as the thieves could lay their hands on. We don’t bank with the Royal – but for those that do – the note may have been something they would respond to.

Kiss of death if you do that.

Rule # 1 – if in doubt don’t.

There are some that will have clicked on the link – that will be a painful experience.


Royal bank scam

This email is filled with clues – why would a bank have the words hairdresser in the email address?  And what bank do you know that would refer to you as an “esteemed customer”.  Be vigilant and you will be safe.  This form of Identity theft is with us for at least five years.


 

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David Suzuki brings his message to Burlington - we are the kind of city he likes.

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

November 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

David Suzuki has been doing media interviews for at least 50 years – he is an old hand at it.

The energy isn’t what is was a decade ago but the passion and the belief that we are the only people who can make the change if we are going to save this planet.

Suzuki tells his audiences that we human beings are the only creatures on this planet that think in terms of having a future – our challenge is to decide what that future is going to be.

david-suzuki

David Suzuki – preaching his gospel knowing that we can save this planet on simple step at a time – he reminds us that WE have to take those steps.

Asked if it is too late – he will look at you through those eyes we have seen when he was doing Quirks and Quarks on CBC and on The Nature of Things, a CBC program he is still doing.

Suzuki works at two levels – evangelizing and getting out the big picture. He takes to the stage and repeats the same message – it is ours to live, work and play in – and now we need to save it – we have come perilously close to killing this planet.

His other level is more personal. He still rants about the damage done by the Harper government and still gets back to his core message – “pay attention to the science.”

He rails at what he sees the politicians doing and tells the story of a high school classmate who in the 50’s said he wanted to be a Politician because that is the level at which you can make a difference.

At that point David Suzuki will look at you intently and ask – “Do you know any young people who want to go into politics today?”

About a decade ago (was it really that long) the federal government decided that it would no longer have Statistics Canada do the long form census. The science community – indeed all of the academic world was stunned. (The long form census is the document that gathers all kinds of data that is used to learn what is happening in the country – what people are doing. It is a critical measuring device without which it is very difficult to make decisions.)

Long form census - cartoon

The long form census was brought to an end by the Harper government – sanity prevailed and it was brought back quickly by the government that succeeded him.

When the decision not to continue with the long form census was made by the Harper government the head of Statistics quit in protest. “They should have all walked out the door and made a statement” says Suzuki. David shrugs, looks up and without saying a word conveys the feeling that it is difficult at times to understand why people do what they do.

Suzuki asks: “How old are you” – I tell him – he says “you’re looking pretty good” – realizing that both of us are getting a little long in the tooth but don’t know how to stop fighting the good fight.

Later in the evening Suzuki will take to the stage and talk to an almost adoring audience. He is an icon that the young people admire, respect and look to for some of the answers.

When he gets going the energy comes back and he is close to unstoppable.

He touches the lives of all and he knows it – so he travels the country and spreads his gospel.

Blue dot t-shirt

The Blue Dot message.

Suzuki was brought to the city by Burlington Green – they brought Jane Goodall a couple of years ago. These marquee speakers do well with the young audience that Burlington Green attracts. They are energetic, keen, wide eyed and bushy tailed. Suzuki put it very well when he said: “They get it.”

Tied into the talks Suzuki gave was the “blue dot” which is a project that wants every Canadian to have the right to clean water and a healthy environment.

“When our provincial and federal decision-makers have recognized our right to a healthy environment, we will turn toward the ultimate goal: we seek to amend the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to include the right to a healthy environment, so that we can join the 110 countries around the world that already have this right included in their constitutions.”

There are now more than 150 municipalities that have signed on to the Blue Dot movement – Burlington made that decision in 2015.

Related news story.

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Lakeshore Road gas station robbed on Tuesday at approximately 10:00 pm.

Crime 100By Staff

November 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Husky Gas Station at 5319 Lakeshore Road, was robbed on Tuesday at approximately 10:00pm.

A lone male suspect entered the gas station and approached the employee behind the counter. The suspect made a verbal demand for cash. The employee complied with his request and an undisclosed amount of cash was provided to the suspect.

The suspect fled the gas station and was last observed running northbound on Kenwood Avenue.

No weapon was observed during the robbery, nor was anyone injured.

Police cruiser New_lookThe suspect is described as:

• Male, possibly black
• 20 -25 years old
• 5″8 to 5″9 tall
• Slim build 140 – 150 Ibs
• Black Jacket with fur rimmed hood
• Black gloves
• Black pants
• Red bandana
• Carrying a black backpack

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of the 3 District, Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2343. Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

Detective Det. Phil Vandenbeukel, 3 CIB, 905-825-4747 ext 2343

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School board looking for public input on changes to course offerings at Aldershot high school.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

November 21st, 2017

BURLINGTON,ON

 

It was close to a throw away idea, something that was put on the table, almost as a distraction.

The Halton District School Board trustees were debating the staff recommendation to close two of the city’s seven high schools.

No one was sure quite what to call the initiative: was it to be a theme school, an incubator, a magnet to attract a specific group of students.

Part of the reason for coming up with an idea was to give the Aldershot high school more of a purpose. There are elementary schools in Burlington that has a larger enrollment than Aldershot.

Despite how low the enrollment at Aldershot was – it wasn’t going to be possible to close that school.
Especially when during the early stages of the PAR process when Central high school was recommended for closure.

Exploration working logoThe idea for something different in Aldershot got included with the resolution the trustees were debating – it both didn’t have traction in the minds of any of the trustees and several didn’t event understand what the idea was about.

With the decision to close Pearson and Bateman done – the parent groups at both schools shifted their energy to getting a request for an Administrative Review approved by the Ministry of Education.
The schools that were to remain open settled back and resumed a normal life.

Terri Blackwell Mar 7-17

Superintendent Terri Blackwell talking to a parent during public meetings on high school closings.

Superintendent Terri Blackwell was given the task of overseeing the transition of the schools that were being closed into schools that were being kept open. She was also given the task of handling what became known as the Aldershot Exploration.

They started out by asking people for ideas – what did people want?
Blackwell was working with a clean slate. There was no agenda – it was almost as if they threw the spaghetti against the wall to see what stuck.

And a lot of that spaghetti did stick.  There were more than 200 ideas sent in.

And they were good – so good that Blackwell and her team found that they had to create themes and came up with 15 of them – which is really quite remarkable.

Alternative calendarEntreprreunership-businessFinancial literacyHigh perf athInnovation-techThe public got to see the themes at an Open House on November 13th. The ideas were set out on tables at stations where the themes were displayed.

The next step for the Blackwell is to narrow the 15 down to a manageable number. “We don’t have to choose the one theme – this is a wide open situation” said Blackwell. “We want to see where the interest is and then begin thinking how we could make what the public has suggested work.”

Making it work is not a simple matter – curriculum material has to be created, figuring out where the staff will come from and understanding where the students will come from are just part of the challenge.

Some of the parents who were on the PAR think the idea is a great one and has the potential to offer courses that meet the needs of the changing world high schools are going to be going into.

Post secondary partnerships Social justiceStudents who learn diffArtsEnvironment - EcoHealth - wellnessLive at high schoolHuman artsProject - problem basedBlackwell is excited and the people working on the project are just as excited.

Steve Armstrong thinks this is an idea that could define what the Halton School Board is all about.

The final recommendation to the Board of Trustees will be a concept developed from one of these themes, a morphing of multiple themes or a yet to be developed theme as a result of continued input, ideas, and research.
The Halton District School Board has created a survey for the public to provide input on the themes identified.

We encourage parents/guardians, students and community members from Halton and beyond to give their input as it will further inform the Exploration Committee.

• All responses will remain anonymous.
• The order in which the themes appear in the survey is alphabetical.

TimelineThe HDSB has sent an email to parents/guardians of all current elementary and secondary students, as well as staff, with a link to the survey. Members of the public can complete the survey directly

The survey is available from Monday, November 13 to Monday, November 27, 2017.

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Santa Claus parade to take place on Sunday December 3rd - starts 2:00 pm at Guelph Line and Prospect.

News 100 redBy Staff

November 20, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The sprinkle of snow over the weekend told us that winter weather is upon us which means the Burlington Santa Claus Parade comes to town December. 3, with community floats, marching bands, costumed characters and, of course, Santa Claus himself.

The parade will start at 2 p.m. at the corner of Guelph Line and Prospect Street and make its way downtown along New Street. The parade then travels north on Brant Street and finishes at Caroline Street.

The Santa Claus parade has taken place for more than 45 years in Burlington. Organized by a citizens group that works out of the city's Festivals and Events office it is the premier holiday event in the city. The elves have got a spot of trouble to manage with onme of their benefactors this time around.

The Santa Claus parade has taken place for more than 48 years in Burlington. Organized by a citizens group that works out of the city’s Festivals and Events office it is the premier holiday event in the city.

This year’s parade will feature 82 entries, including floats, mascots and 16 bands. The parade will include traditional favourites, such as the Burlington Teen Tour Band, the Junior Redcoats, Top Hat Marching Orchestra and the Halton Regional Police Service Pipes & Drums.

Children are encouraged to bring letters for Santa, which will be collected by letter carriers from Canada Post along the parade route. Spectators may bring non-perishable food donations, which will be accepted by the Burlington Teen Tour Band boosters and the Gift of Giving Back. The Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club will be collecting loonies and toonies to help support the operation costs of the parade.

Many local businesses have contributed donations, flatbed trucks, float entries and sponsorship funding to this year’s parade. For a complete list of sponsors, visit burlington.ca/parade. This year’s gold sponsor is BUNZL.

Spectators will have the chance to help choose the People’s Choice Award for best parade float. Voting will begin online after the parade at burlington.ca/parade. All entries will be entered in to a draw for a chance to win a prize.

Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn, director of Parks and Recreation

Chris Glenn, director of Parks and Recreation is “ very excited to have Santa back in Burlington for this annual family tradition. We know that thousands of people and families from across Burlington and beyond look forward to the parade to mark the start of the holiday season.”

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Parks damaged by what is believed to have been arson repaired - at considerable cost.

News 100 blueBy Staff

November 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City of Burlington has repaired and replaced the playgrounds in three city parks after that equipment was severely damaged by arson in June 2017.

The playground and park equipment in Doug Wright Park, Emerson Park and Lansdown Park was damaged by deliberately-set fire, according to the Halton Regional Police Service. The playgrounds in each park have reopened to the public now that all work has been done to repair and replace the damaged equipment.
The playground equipment in Emerson Park was repaired at a cost of slightly more than $5,000.

The playground equipment, underground drainage and protective surface was replaced in Doug Wright and Lansdown Parks. The cost to complete the work in Doug Wright Park was about $85,000, and in Lansdown Park the cost was about $60,000.

Rob Peachey

Rob Peachey, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces

Halton Regional Police Service continues to investigate these crimes. Anyone with information please contact 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau 905-825-4747 ext: 2316 or tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

Rob Peachey, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces said “We recognize how important these playgrounds are to the families who use them. Replacing the play equipment was a priority for the City of Burlington.”

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Engaged citizens of Burlington off to a slow start - headed for the OMB. Those gates might be closed.

News 100 redBy Staff

November 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is when ordinary people see a decision made by a level of government that they do not agree with and turn to their neighbours and friends and decide to become agents of change that a city grows.

Susan Goyer has created Engaged Citizens of Burlington; a non-profit group working towards building a better Burlington for generations to come.

Engaged citizens FB pageThey will be virtual – all on-line, creating a community presence to help to build awareness on issues affecting Burlington residents and the community as a whole.

Small org – big hearts; a diverse group of residents and business people who want only the best for Burlington.

They want you to call, text, email and share their Facebook page with “those you would like to mobilize, and remember you’re not selling them anything or trying to convert them to a new religion.”

They are a grass roots based community trying to save a parcel of land – their fuel is passion which they find “ irresistible!” If you are excited about this cause and discuss it with those around you, they will naturally become engaged and interested in helping. Their virtual home is a Facebook page.

They define themselves as “caretakers of our environment and resident of Burlington who have a responsibility to ensure that building a better Burlington is a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

They talk a good talk: “All it takes is a few minutes of your time to advocate for a better Burlington.

“Volunteer: Recognize how your contribution is important to the people of Burlington. Leverage your amazing skills, we loved to be wowed, and we would be missing out if we didn’t have you!

Susan Goyer

Susan Goyer, first member of the Engaged Citizens of Burlington Facebook page would like people to like kittens.

“There are many opportunities to help, by helping to build our network, mobilize people in your community, and serve as an ambassador.

“Qualifications: Authentic, open minded, enthusiastic and a willingness to take on assignments to solve problems.

“Key Responsibilities: Attend city council meetings, events, raise awareness and achieve a win/win where gaps exists

Reflecting their sense of humour they suggest being “able to leap tall buildings; like kittens, puppies, like all animals really.”

Their first task is to take the city council decision on the 421 Brant project to the OMB. They are asking people to become part of a small (and growing) but mighty team to submit an appeal to the OMB on the recent approval of a 23 story building on Brant Street?

They maintain the approval by Burlington’s City Council exceeds the current 12 story limit for downtown Burlington. They want to have that decision reversed.

They plan to meet on December 13th to get the OMB appeal started.

Home for the Facebook page is HERE.

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Some people object to the publishing of the names of people yet to be found guilty of DUI - MADD has a different view.

Crime 100By Staff

November 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Regional Police have released data on the most recent Impaired Driving arrests made.
On Thursday, November 16, 2017, before 11:00pm, a traffic stop was initiated near the intersection of Mill Street and Martin Street in Milton. As a result of an investigation, Aaron Brouwer (43) of Wallaceburg was charged with driving over 80mgs.

RIDE police stops

Police doing RIDE checks – do they deter drivers who have been drinking?

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, after 2:00am, a traffic stop was initiated near Woodward Avenue and Ontario Street in Milton. As a result of an investigation, Jeremiah LeBlanc (27) of Milton was charged with driving over 80mgs.

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, after 5:30pm, Halton Police officers investigated a collision near the intersection of Guelph Street and Draper Street in Halton Hills involving an alleged impaired driver. Police charged Donald Bacon (79) of Brightsgrove with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and impaired driving over 80mgs.

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, after 7:00pm, Halton Police officers investigated a collision near the intersection of Guelph Line and Harvester Road in Burlington involving an alleged impaired driver. Police charged Renu Sethi (49) of Burlington with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and impaired driving over 80mgs.

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, after 9:30pm, witnesses reported a suspected impaired driver in Burlington. Adam Johnson (37) of Burlington was arrested near the intersection of Dundas Street and Rotary Way and charged with care or control while impaired and care or control over 80mgs.

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, after 10:00pm, witnesses reported a suspected impaired driver in Milton. Ravindra Gnanamuttu (56) of Milton was arrested near the intersection of Ontario Street South and Parkway Drive East and charged with drive while ability impaired and impaired driving over 80mgs.

MADD sign

There are signs along many highways – showing a small cross and an In Memory of – marking the location where a drunk driver lost control of a car.

The Halton Regional Police Service remains committed to road safety through prevention, education and enforcement initiatives.

Members of the public are reminded that driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a crime in progress and to call 9-1-1 immediately to report a suspected impaired driver.

The Service’s Twitter and Facebook accounts should not be used for this purpose as they are not monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers have a more direct comment.

madd - GIRL GUN KEYS

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New Street Road Diet bites the dust - data didn't support the idea - nor did many of the residents.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

November 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was direct and to the point – the New Street Road Diet was to come to an end with instructions to the Director of Transportation that will be debated at city council November 27th.

Direct the Director of Transportation Services to convert the existing bike lane pilot project (New Street from Guelph Line to Walkers Line) to the original four-lane cross section.

Assuming city council members vote to approve the staff recommendation that will bring to an end a project that was poorly designed and poorly communicated to the public.

The idea of a Road Diet was about as divisive as they get. It was so bad that the Mayor found himself being challenged at the Y when he was getting in some exercise.

New Street was having new pipes put in which meant digging up the road in stages and then re-surfacing it all. Why not use the occasion to test the idea of a road diet – which is a re-configuring of the lanes to make room for dedicated bike lanes on both sides of the road.

The cyclists loved the idea. Those who drive their cars on New Street wanted everyone to believe that the world was about to come to an end.

And that was where the issue stuck in the craw of many – they didn’t feel safe sharing a roadway with vehicles.
Many pointed out that there was an excellent trail system yards to the south.

Trail - Centennial

The trail runs parallel to New Street from Rossmore in the east to Martha in the West. The completion of the Elgin Street promenade will allow cyclists to get to the canal and on into Hamilton.

Neither the Transportation department nor most of city council could tap into the public concern.

The issues wasn’t about people riding their bikes – it was where they were going to ride their bikes and how safe they would be.

The cycling lobby, and there most certainly is a cycling lobby, wanted those lanes on New Street. Those people feel safe on their bikes in almost all forms of road traffic – they would feel save on the QEW if there were a HOT bike lane.

But for the average citizen who is Ok with the idea of hoping on their bike to run a short errand or visit with a neighbour – they just didn’t want to put themselves at risk.

The Cycling Lobby didn’t take the time to fully listen to the average citizen who understands the issues – they just don’t want to put their lives on the line to support a good idea.

The report goes to a Council Committee on November 27, 2017 and then to city council for approval on December 11, 2017

This city council needs a win badly on this one.

The Staff report sets out much of the detail and data collected during the Pilot Program.

Transit - Vito Tolone

Vito Tolone, Director of Transportation had to stick handle an awkward file – he was in a no-win situation.

The transportation people convinced themselves that providing cycling facilities, particularly throughout key transportation corridors, such as New Street, served to provide more mobility choice to the residents of Burlington, and ensures that all road users, including cyclists, have access to safe facilities.

The purpose of the pilot project was to provide an opportunity to evaluate the impacts and benefits of on-road cycling

The outcomes of the pilot project were to be used to help inform the development of future cycling projects and the Cycling Master Plan Update which is currently underway.

This all started in July of 2016 when City Council approved transportation services department report with the following direction:

Direct the Executive Director of Capital Works and Director of Transportation Services to report back on the performance of the pilot project prior to the top layer of asphalt being placed on the section of New Street between Guelph Line and Cumberland Avenue;

Following Council approval, staff converted New Street (between Guelph Line and Walkers Line) from a four-lane cross section to a three-lane cross section consisting of two through lanes and a centre two-way left-turn lane. The revised three-lane cross section included buffered on-road bike lanes. The pilot officially “launched” on August 23rd, 2016.

New Street is a minor east-west arterial that runs parallel to the QEW and Fairview Street, providing key connections to the major north-south arterial road system.

New Street accommodates both residential and commuter traffic and provides access to adjacent residential, commercial and institutional developments as well as the surrounding established neighbourhoods.

New Street bike lanes - long pic

City hall went to great lengths to explain the project to the public – few people attended the information session at Bateman high school where there was a lot of detailed information.

24-hour traffic volumes along New Street range between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles per day. Prior to installation of on-road bike lanes, an average of 60 cyclists per day used New Street.

Prior to the pilot project, this section of New Street consisted of a four-lane cross- section (two travel lanes per direction) within an overall roadway width of 14.0 metres.

The posted maximum speed limit throughout the corridor is 60 km/h exclusive of school zones.

The Pilot Project Design called for a reallocation of the existing roadway through the removal of two through vehicle lanes and introduction of a centre two-way left-turn lane. The preferred design achieved dedicated cycling facilities and reprioritized the function of the street in order to better accommodate bikes.

Bike lanes - New street

Lane configuration prior to the bike lane installation (left graphic) and lane configuration during the pilot project (right graphic)

3. Community Feedback

New Street has been identified as a key commuter cycling corridor given its continuous length, topography, and proximity to GO Stations. Under the previous lane configuration, New Street averaged 60 cyclists a day (June, 2016).

Installation of the pilot has increased cycling use to an average of 80 cyclists per day. Cycling volume data was obtained from a traffic camera situated at the intersection of New Street and Cumberland Avenue.

Based on feedback received from bike lane users, the pilot project has increased levels of comfort, safety and enjoyment of this mode of travel. Users also noted that extending the buffered bike lanes to Burloak Drive and connect to cycling infrastructure in Oakville should be pursued.

Vehicle volumes were collected using automatic traffic recorders used to measure the volume, direction of traffic flow, traffic speed and vehicle classification.

Recognizing that a reduction in lane capacity on New Street had potential to result in diversion, traffic data was collected to substantiate the impact of the pilot project to nearby neighbourhood streets.

Daily traffic dataThe most notable change in traffic volumes (net increase) was recorded along Woodward Avenue where the daily traffic volumes rose by 16% and while the volume is within acceptable limits of the roadways classification it is an increase nonetheless. The pilot project resulted in negligible impacts to the other surrounding roadways.

Vehicle travel times were recorded before and during the pilot project in order to quantify the increase in travel times as a result of reducing lane capacity and introduction of on-road bike lanes. Bluetooth technology was utilized as a means to collect a large data sample of vehicles (30,000 vehicle sample) traveling through a predetermined section of the corridor.

Vehicle travel times were recorded before and during the installation of the pilot project and excluded the period during which watermain and other sewer work was actively under way and disruptive to traffic flow.

Comparative travel timesData collected under stabilized conditions (post watermain work) indicates that the travel times have increased on average by approximately one and a half minutes during the evening peak hour in the westbound direction.

Collision experience was also examined as part of the evaluation of the pilot project. Before and after analysis appears to indicate a downward trend, however, with less than one year of collision data available under unimpeded road pilot conditions, staff are not comfortable drawing conclusions as it relates to the overall safety of New Street.

Staff received over 1100 comments and suggestions via e-mail, telephone, social media and in person. Feedback predominantly showed a lack of support for the on-street bike lane installation. Increase to travel time, increased traffic congestion and lack of use by cyclists were recurring themes in opposition to the pilot project.

Det

It was all hands on deck – the city was promoting the use of bicycles – that got Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward on her bike – not something seen very often,

Positive feedback cited sense of improved traffic and safety conditions for those residents who reside on New Street. Cyclists who utilized the on-road bike lanes noted that they experienced greater comfort and convenience and felt they promoted safer cycling.

Suport road diet

Opposed to road diet

Cycling Master Plan Update
The 2009 Council approved Cycling Master Plan is currently being updated to determine the next critical steps in the evolution of the city’s cycling infrastructure. The focus of this study, which is being undertaken by Alta Planning and Design and led by Transportation Services staff, is to provide guidance and expert opinion on facility types and locations and to recommend a minimum network for cycling in the City of Burlington.

Within the scope of this study, New Street was examined to confirm its suitability as an east-west cycling spine and evaluate the most appropriate type of cycling for the corridor. The existing buffered on road bike lanes were not identified to be problematic and are an appropriate facility type, however, based on a preliminary review, a continuous higher order cycling facility on New Street would provide an important east- west connection for the City and is more likely to generate new cyclists to the corridor.

Transit Network
In recent months, Transit, Planning and Transportation staff have been working together towards developing a frequent transit network for the City of Burlington. The lane configuration on New Street was to play a prominent role in providing the necessary road infrastructure to accommodate high frequency transit service. From a transit perspective, a four-lane cross section best serves the needs of passengers when being dropped off at the curb without blocking bicycle traffic and having to merge back into traffic flow.

While cycling numbers have increased by 20 per day along the New Street corridor, it is not apparent that it can be attributed solely to the on-road bike lanes. Vehicle travel times have risen somewhat and traffic diversion to parallel routes has also increased.

Before and after collision data does not provide any conclusive evidence of any safety improvement at this time. Future frequent transit service along New Street is better served by a four-lane cross section.

An increase in cycling volume is not the only measurable considered however, with no clear indication that cycling volumes have increased as a result of the pilot coupled with the negative impacts to travel times, diversion and future transit, staff do not recommend carrying on with the pilot project or extending it to Burloak Drive.

New Street provides an opportunity to create a critical spine for a cycling network in the City of Burlington. The length, location and cross section can accommodate a number of alternative cycling facility types. The test of any selected facility is its ability to attract more regular everyday “commuter” type users if we are to achieve the goal within our strategic plan of a higher cycling modal share.

After considering which facility best fits our goal to increase the cycling mode share, staff have concluded that dedicated, off road paved cycle tracks provide the greatest advantage.

The cycle track option was presented in transportation services department report TS- 10-16 in July 2016 with some preliminary assessment completed to determine cost implications. Recognizing the considerable cost of such a facility, staff recommend pursuing senior government funding which has been available in the past for cycling related infrastructure.

Next Steps – New Street Resurfacing:
Resurfacing of New Street from Cumberland Avenue to Walkers Line was included in the 2017 Capital Budget and was deferred to provide for full test of the New Street pilot project. With Council approval of this report the lane configuration for New Street will be confirmed and the resurfacing of New Street from Guelph Line to Walkers Line can be completed.  The total cost including, inspection, testing, net HST and contingency is $650,000.

New street - being rebuilt

The dedicated cycling lanes were not fully tested – road re-surfacing, sewer main replacement and repairs got in the way of a full fledged test.

Storm Sewer Repairs
During completion of the asphalt rehabilitation on New Street, east of Guelph Line a significant storm sewer failure occurred. Upon detailed investigation, it was determined that full replacement of 340 metres storm sewer and 3 maintenance holes was warranted. To ensure motorist safety and have the work completed as soon as possible to allow the road lanes impacted to be reopened; King completed much of this work in 2017, with a small section of sewer work still to be completed.  The additional cost to complete the storm sewer replacement is estimated to be $335,000. The total cost including, inspection, testing, HST and contingency is $392,000.

Public Engagement Matters:
In the Staff report that will go to the Standing Committee on the 27th, they say: City staff created a project website (www.burlington.ca/newstreetpilot ) where all the information was posted and where residents were able to provide their input.

Based on the emails, letters, social media posts and telephone conversations, staff produced a summary of comments received in favour and opposition of the pilot project. As part of public engagement, staff also received a petition that contained over 2,700 signatures of Burlington residents who are in opposition to the pilot project.

Conclusion:
The evaluation and subsequent analysis indicates that desired increase in cycling activity has not materialized based on the data collected before and after the pilot project. It is difficult to confidently attribute the increase in bicycle volume of 20 per day solely on the buffered bike lanes. However, there is also a recognition that the cycling volume may have been negatively impacted by the limited length and lack of connectivity to a larger east-west cycling network.

Travel time, during the evening peak hour has increased and while not excessive, does add time to motorists evening commute. There has been some nominal traffic diversion to Spruce and Woodward Avenues and while considered to be within the volume threshold of both roadways classification, it is not the function of a collector roadway to facilitate what is essentially “through” volume.

New Street is expected to play an important role in supporting a frequent transit network that is currently being evaluated. The preferred lane configuration for higher frequency transit operation on New Street is a four-lane cross section.

Cycle tracks, provide the greatest level of protection and encourages more people to use cycling as a commuting mode of transportation. Increasing the cycling mode share is aligned with the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan and upcoming Transportation Plan.

The implementation of cycle tracks on New Street presents funding challenges, however, senior levels of government are continuing to invest in cycling infrastructure and New Street is an ideal candidate for consideration. Staff will consider for inclusion, the implementation of cycle tracks in the capital budget and forecast in future years and will continue to pursue funding opportunities from both the provincial and federal governments.

This is a Staff recommendation that Council will take to – Councillor Jack Dennison will remonstrate over the missed opportunity to get more people out on bikes – the two women who brought in several thousand signatures on a petition will sleep well when city council kills the idea on December 11th.

 

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Message that your email is on hold might prompt you to respond - look at who the message came from. A clumsy attempt at ID theft.

IDTHEFT 100X100By Staff

November 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When you see a notice like this in your electronic mail box you are at first startled and you want to do something immediately to ensure that there is not a problem with your email.

The instinct is to respond.

Email notice

Look at the email address the message came from.

If you didn’t have a problem before you saw the email notice – you will most certainly have one if you do respond. You will have unwittingly given them access to your email.
This is what Identify Theft is all about.

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We can't continue disrespecting the Indigenous people - school board chair needs to learn how to pronounce the words.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

November 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It has taken decades for Canadians to begin to come to terms with our Indigenous community.

The federal government took us through the Truth and Reconciliation process and the Halton District School Board (HDSB) has been very proactive in getting the subject of recognizing and respecting the people who walked this land long before white people first sailed up the St Lawrence River.

Burlington doesn’t have an Indigenous population – we don’t have any direct issues to deal with. Thunder Bay is in a very different situation – something they struggle with.

The HDSB now makes a practice of having the Chair reads out a statement at the beginning of each public meeting.

Amos treaty land statement

Statement read at the beginning of every public session of the Halton District School Board.

There was a time when that Board may have had everyone stand up and Sing God Save the Queen or O’Canada
Most of us knew the words or at least some of them.

The Chair of the Board read the Honouring the Land and Territory  – she shouldn’t have, at least not until she has taken the time to learn the correct pronunciation and is able to get her tongue around the more difficult ones.

To read the statement so badly is an insult to the Indigenous people.

There are Indigenous people on staff that can help the Chair get the pronunciation right. Some of the words are not easy – practicing and getting it right is what we owe these people. If HDSB Chair Kelly Amos cannot do it right  – better not to do it at all.

Our ancestors took their land, do we have to mangle their culture?

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Is community organizing taking on a different shape in Burlington? Have the citizens had enough of what the current city council doing to them?

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

November 19th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

How can citizens have some control over the changes that are made to their city?

The current crop of politicians on city council take the view that they were elected to lead and so they bring their values and approaches to leadership – failing to connect in a meaningful way with what their constituents think.

That just might be changing in Burlington.

There are currently three community groups protesting against decisions that city council has made or might be making in the months ahead.

The 421 Brant development is a done deal. The best the citizens were able to do was put together a petition and pack the city hall chamber with unhappy people. City council paid even less than lip service to their concerns and approved the project. There is a rumbling going on about a possible appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) that doesn’t look as if it has any traction.

421 Brant

Approved by city Council November 13th, 2017

While the 421 Brant decision is truly trans formative for the city – there wasn’t a deep understanding as to just what it is going to mean longer term. And while there were some strong points made during the delegations at the council meeting where the development was approved – there wasn’t a focused group behind the protests.

And, not everyone was against the development.

Brant street is a bit of a mess – it is a location badly in need of some of that “vitality” many think it already has. There are those who want things to be the way they were 40 years ago. The decision to grow the population and the geographical boundaries the city has to work within meant growing “up” and not out. The Burlington we had 40 years ago is no more.

TEC stop quarry expansion Jul17There are two other projects that have people upset: The plans Meridian Brick has to begin mining for shale in the eastern sector of their property off the upper part of King Road and the Tyendaga Environmental Coalition (TEC) group that wants to bring that to a halt.

Graphic of TEC quarry

West Have residents don’t want the third shale quarry site to get into production. Saving their homes and 9000 trees is seen as critical to a planet that is staring climate change in the face.

Then there is the Plan B group that wants to ensure that the city doesn’t screw up the re-development of the Waterfront Hotel site.

Plan B rendering

What a group of well funded citizens want the re-development of the Waterfront Hotel site to look like.

The TEC and the Plan B people are taking a much more focused and well-funded approach to their issues.

The best that the people opposed to the height of the 421 development could do was get the support of the ward Councillor and deliver a petition to city council.

The Plan B and the TEC group have gone to their community and raised funds and then retained professional help to take on city hall.

There is talk amongst the movers and shakers about creating a slate of candidates for public office in Burlington and electing a council that represents the interests of everyone and not just the limited understanding that most members of the current city council have.

Burlington City Council Group

City Council: Three of the seven were first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. One of the other four has been around for as long as 24 years.

To be fair to this city council – they were all re-elected in 2014 after being elected in 2010 – they felt they had a mandate. The people that are complaining now are the people that voted them all back into office in 2014. Surely there was enough evidence at the end of their 2010 term of office to know what they were going to deliver.

Are they politically adroit enough to change course and get ahead of the parade of protest that is taking place?

Or will enough of them give it up and move on to retirement. Councillors Dennison and Taylor have been in office for more than 20 years, the Mayor and Councillor Craven have close to 15 years as public servants behind them.

The big question is going to be – where will the new blood come from? Are there any prospective candidates out there that show at least some promise?

Salt with Pepper is the publisher’s opinion column.

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Hundreds of local organizations now on the Hydro Hall of Fame.

News 100 greenBy Staff

November 19th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The list that follow is long – very long.

We published it for several reason:

One as a matter of record. We feel the public should know what these corporations and organizations have done.

Second, to let the public see just who it is that is doing something to meet the climate warming challenge. It is real, very real.   Next week David Suzuki, probably the best known environmentalist in North America and certainly someone most Canadians will at least have heard about – he is going to be in Burlington to tell us just how close we are to actually losing it all.

Third – how did these corporations and organizations get on the Conservation Hall of Fame?

Conservation Hall of FameBurlington Hydro explained that the criteria was straight forward – any company in Burlington that participated and completed a ‘Save on Energy’ For Business program between 2015 and October 2017, made the list The list is very diverse – from churches and sports clubs to larger commercial companies.

This is the 2nd Hall of Fame event. The first was held in 2015, recognizing 44 local companies that had participated and completed conservation programs between 2011 and 2014.

There is more information about the Save on Energy For Business on the IESO website.
Burlington Hydro delivers the programs and works closely with businesses to help them – https://saveonenergy.ca/Business.aspx

Our Conservation team helps companies with:

Complimentary site assessments
· Helping them to find the conservation opportunities through our Energy Manager

Early project reviews
· Confirming eligibility and best approaches

Vendor/Consultant referral
· Experts with proven track record

From the Mom and Pop operation to the factory floor, over 160 local companies have participated under the
Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) ‘For Business’ program umbrella since 2015.

Whether it was a lighting incentive program for small business, or a larger retrofit program that upgrades the efficiency of industrial equipment, programs are available to suit most every need. Not only are operational efficiencies being met, but positive environmental outcomes are being realized.

Gerry Smallegange, President and CEO, Burlington Hydro believes Hydro is “making a difference by delivering incentive programs that are helping participating businesses become a little bit leaner, a little more power savvy and a lot more energy efficient.”

The conservation program portfolio is designed to help businesses from across the spectrum. The IESO’s ‘Save on Energy’ business programs have been developed in collaboration with electricity utilities, and are delivered by local utilities, including Burlington Hydro.

Under Ontario’s Conservation First Framework, the IESO has assigned Burlington Hydro a target of just over 99 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in power savings to be realized between 2015 and 2020. When achieved this will be equivalent to taking 12,380 average residential households in the community off the grid.

Burlington Hydro Inc. is an energy services company in the power distribution business. Serving approximately 67,000 residential and commercial customers, Burlington Hydro  is wholly owned by the City of Burlington.

There were 44 organizations and corporations on the 2011-2015 Conservation Hall of Fame list. There are a lot that you will recognize – what really matters is – are you on the list?

You can be and you perhaps should be.

1213763 ONTARIO INC.
1225511 ONTARIO INC.
1602211 ONTARIO LTD.
744497 ONTARIO LTD.
975445 ONTARIO INC.
AHERN REAL ESTATE
CORPORATION
Aldershot tennisALDERSHOT TENNIS CLUB
ALTERNATE CHOICE INC.
AMHILL ENTERPRISES
ARDENT MILLS
ARGO INTERNATIONAL
ASBURY WILKINSON INC.
BANK OF MONTREAL, REGIONAL DATA CENTRE
BAYVIEW CEMETERY, CREMATORY & MAUSOLEUM
BAYVIEW FARM
BECKER’S STORE
BENTALL KENNEDY
BERICAP NORTH AMERICA
BGC FUNDING INNOVATION INC.
BRANT CYCLE & SPORT LTD.
BURLINGTON CENTRE FOR OSTEOPATHY AND ATHLETIC THERAPY
BURLINGTON DANCE ACADEMY INC.
BURLINGTON FITNESS & RACQUET CLUB
BURLINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY
BURLINGTON NISSAN
BURLINGTON YOUTH SOCCER CLUB
CADENA PROPERTY LTD.
CANADA POST
CANADAS BEST VALUE INN
CAPO INDUSTRIES LTD.
CAPREIT
CATEGORY 5 IMAGING INC.
CEDAR SPRINGS HEALTH RACQUET & SPORTSCLUB
CELADON IMPORTS INC.
CHOICE PROPERTIES R.E.I.T.
CHRISTOPHER TERRACE
CIMTEK AUTOMATION SYSTEMS
CITY OF BURLINGTON
CLV GROUP, INTERRENT REIT
CONCEPT LIGHTING GALLERY
CORPORATION OF CITY OF HAMILTON
COSTCO WHOLESALE LTD.
CROWN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
DESTARON
DISCOVERY FORD
DRYCO BUILDING SUPPLIES INC.
EARTH FRESH
EASTWAY BAKE SHOPPE
EDEN TILE INC.
ELIZABETH INTERIORS
END OF THE ROLL
ESSO (SONEIL GROUP)
ETRATECH MANUFACTURING
FAIRHAM INVESTMENTS INC.
LongosFAITH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
FARAWAY GREENS INDOOR GOLF
FIBRECAST INC.
FISHER & LUDLOW NUCOR GRATING
FREIGHTLINE CARRIER SYSTEMS
FRONTIER COMMERCIAL
GERRIE ELECTRIC
GPM REAL PROPERTY LTD.
GRAFTON-FRASER INC.
GURU RAVIDASS SABHA
HADRIAN MANUFACTURING INC.
HALTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
HALTON CONDO CORP. #34
HALTON CONDO CORP. #80
HALTON CONDO CORP. #85
HALTON CONDO CORP. #160
HALTON CONDO CORP. #174
HALTON CONDO CORP. #364
HALTON CONDO CORP. #371
HALTON CONDO CORP. #552
HALTON CONDO CORP. #574
HALTON HONDA LTD.
HALTON REGION & HALTON COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION
HALTON STANDARD CONDO CORP. #417
HALTON STANDARD CONDO CORP. #602
Judge and JuryHALTON STANDARD CONDO CORP. #625 –
IRONSTONE CONDOMINIUM
HALTON STANDARD CONDO CORP. #630
HAMILTON KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
HARVESTER HOLDINGS CORP.
HOME DEPOT CANADA
HOMESTEAD LAND HOLDINGS LTD.
HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY
HUMMEL BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE
HUNTER AMENITIES INTERNATIONAL
IKEA PROPERTIES LTD.
IVANHOE CAMBRIDGE INC.
JACK ASTOR’S BAR & GRILL
JAMES DIEPPE LTD.
KRPAN GROUP
Lescam W3L3 – WESCAM
LANDECK PROPERTIES INC.
LCBO
LEGGAT PONTIAC BUICK
LEON’S FURNITURE
LIEBHERR-CANADA LTD.
LJM DEVELOPMENTS
LOBLAWS INC.
LONGO BROTHERS
FRUIT MARKETS INC.
MARILU’S MARKET
MARS METAL
MCDONALD’S RESTAURANT – PLAINS ROAD
MENKES INDUSTRIAL PARKS LTD.
MERCEDES-BENZ BURLINGTON
METRICAN STAMPING CO. INC.
MICHAELS OF CANADA
MIKE ZAVERSHNIK
MODEL AERONAUTICS
MORGAN ADVANCED MATERIALS
NATURE’S EMPORIUM (BURLINGTON)
NORTHGATE PROPERTIES INC.
PACK & RAIL
POLLARD WINDOWS INC.
PROGRESS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD.
Quality-hotel-burlington-ontario-canada-slide11QUALITY HOTEL BURLINGTON
RATHCLIFFE PROPERTIES
REVERA INC.
RHI CANADA INC.
RIOCAN HOLDINGS INC.
ROGERS AT&T WIRELESS
ROSELAND PRODUCE
ROYAL STONE GALLERY INC.
RUSCOTT INVESTMENT CORP.
RUSTON RV CENTRE
RYAN SGRO ENTERPRISES
SAMUEL, SON & CO., LTD.
SCAN DECOR
SCOTIA BANK – NEW ST. BRANCH
SEARS CANADA INC.
SELENEX CORPORATION LTD.
SHAPLEY B INVESTMENTS
SHIFT MOTORS INC.
SPX FLOW CLYDEUNION PUMPS
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
ST. PATRICK CHURCH
ST. RAPHAEL CHURCH
STARLIGHT INVESTMENTS
STOP RESTAURANT SUPPLY LTD.
STRESS-CRETE LTD.
SUN CHEMICAL LIMITED
SYNDICATE MANAGEMENT INC.
THE JUDGE & JURY PUB
THE WILLIAMSBURG RETIREMENT RESIDENCE
TIMBERCREEK ASSET MANAGEMENT
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Expect to hear a lot about Plan B - if city council is smart they will adopt it quick quick before they totally annoy the people that put them in office.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

November 19th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

Part 3 of a multi-part series.

Residents of the city, especially those in the downtown core, have been bombarded by Mobility Hub proposals – there are four of those; an application for what many believe is the first of many 20 + storey high rise buildings on Brant street, (the first one has been approved by city council); a new Official Plan that is now in draft form and a proposal to tear down the existing Waterfront Hotel and build a couple of high rise towers on that property.

Bridgewater from the north looking south

The land for this development was assembled in the mid 80’s; approved by city council in 1995.

While all this is going on the Bridgewater development, first approved back in 1995, rises floor by floor to its 22 storey level.

There is a group of people who have organized themselves behind the working name: Plan B.

Yes, they will have a petition but this group has some well heeled residents who have had enough – they are not going to tolerate changes to their waterfront.

They have the support of the Mayor and the Council member for ward 2, Marianne Meed Ward – which they feel they don’t particularly need. They are working towards getting the support of a much wider – city wide – public that the politicians will want to get behind.

PLAN B

Plan B – stands for Better

So where did Plan B come from?
Well there’s the Plan B organization and then there’s the Plan B – Waterfront Hotel Redevelopment proposal.

First things first. The people.
The City Planning Department’s September 14th Workshop 3 on the Waterfront Hotel Redevelopment left a lot of residents feeling disenfranchised with the process. The Emerging Preferred Concept, largely based on the previously presented Concept 1, was introduced and the rationale for it’s selection was hastily presented.

Emerging concept

What about the green space that everyone had pleaded for in previous workshops? Oh, that would be between the two buildings. Really!

This was followed by a “prescriptive” (the Mayor’s words) workshop to critique the proposal, at each table, most of which had a tactical member from Mr. Vranich’s organization. (Draco Vranich is the owner of the Waterfront Hotel)The problem was that few attendees believed what was being sold and for good reason.

The Emerging Preferred Concept (above) included a 14-18 storey building on the west end of the property, abutting the east border of Spencer Smith Park, effectively making the park gateway down Brant Street a right-hand turn only! What about the green space that everyone had pleaded for in previous workshops? Oh, that would be between the two buildings. Really!

How could anyone believe The Planning Partnership’s recommendations when their evaluation of a design with a building on the west side (previous Concept 1) was that it could provide the exact same a) step back from Brant Street corridor b) transition to surrounding context c) create a gateway at Brant/ Lakeshore and c) provide transition to Spencer Smith Park, as a design with no building on the west side (previous Concept 2)?

And when the attendees tried to ask questions and raise concerns, there was just not enough time or microphones! Some of those disenfranchised citizens decided to do something about it, so Plan B was born.

It’s not rocket science.
The Plan B design simply employed the City’s own Concept 2; reducing the height of the buildings from 20 & 30 to 22 & 14 respectively, and effectively stepping the buildings down to the lake and the south eastern pathway of the park.

They just did what they thought the Planning Department should have done in the first place when they produced their Emerging Preferred Concept; provide the owner with the opportunity to develop his property in a fashion that respected his as-of-rights in exchange for more green space available to the public at the east end of Spencer Smith Park. A natural win-win!

Part 1: The background – how we got to where we are.

Part 2: Citizens want input.

 

Plan B rendering

This is the Plan B design – notice how it has both Brant and John Street emptying into the park.

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