 By Pepper Parr
October 2nd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The process a development proposal has to go through is complex – there are dozens of hoop a developer has to go through and each step is expensive.
The developer is at significant risk – they are putting their money on the line and every penny is lost if they don’t get the approvals they need.
The large 20 storey plus projects draw a lot of attention. The smaller developments raise the ire of the neighbourhood they are to be built in but they don’t get the exposure the big ones get.
The city is compelled to grow its population. The province dictates the growth level and the Regional government does the fine tuning that decides how many more people are to be housed in a community or how many new jobs are to be created.
Burlington has focused on the residential development – the Economic Development Corporation does entice some new jobs to the city – but we aren’t celebrating that many new jobs.
There is a development in ward 5 that is drawing a lot of attention in that part of the city.
 The level of intensification is evident in the drawing. The developer is seeking permission to construct 22 residential dwelling units consisting of 8 semi-detached residential dwelling units and 14 townhouse units on Upper Middle Road where five properties have been assembled. These lands are hold outs from the previous subdivision development that surrounds these properties. These lands are located on the north side of Upper Middle Road, east of Appleby Line. The total area of the development is approximately 0.5 hectares (1.23 acres).
To the north of the subject properties are low density (single detached) residential dwellings; to the east are low density (single detached) residential dwellings; to the south is a high school and vacant employment lands (Bronte Meadows); and to the west is a stormwater management pond and a townhouse development. Description of Applications
There was a community meeting in May of this year –comments from that meeting appear below.
The meeting taking place at city hall tonight is a Statutory Public meeting – something the city is required to hold. It gives the public an opportunity to express their views on the suitability of the project.
The report will be received and filed and then be brought before the Planning and Development Committee on October 10th where the real debate takes place. Then it goes to city council where a final decision is made.
The purpose of the report that will be presented Monday night is to provide background information for the statutory public meeting required under the Planning Act for Zoning By-law amendment applications.
The report provides an overview of the proposed application, an outline of the applicable policies and regulations and a summary of technical and public comments received to date.
 The report sets out the start of the “ticking off” of the boxes.
The report relates to the following objectives of the City of Burlington Strategic Plan:
A City that Grows
Targeted Intensification
Higher densities in key intensification areas (including mobility hubs, downtown, uptown and along major roads and commercial plazas) that will build neighbourhoods that are environmentally friendly, infrastructure-efficient, walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented.
Focused and Directed Population Growth
A City that Moves
Increased Transportation Flows and Connectivity
A Healthy and Greener City
Healthy Lifestyles; every resident of Burlington lives within a 15-20 minute walk from parks or green spaces.
All these are set out in the Strategic Plan the city spent more than a year creating and putting in place. That Plan is a hoop that has to be gotten around if not over.
The application got to the Planning and Building Department on May 4, 2017 to permit 22 residential dwelling units consisting of 8 semi-detached residential dwelling units and 14 townhouse units. The townhouse block includes three separate buildings ranging from four to six units.
The semi-detached dwellings are proposed to be freehold units fronting directly onto an extension of Georgina Court. The townhouse units are proposed to be condominium units that would front onto an internal condominium road that would be accessed from the Georgina Court extension. The townhouse condominium is proposed to include five visitor parking spaces. The townhouse blocks will have access from the proposed internal lane; however, the southern blocks would have frontage and pedestrian access directly to Upper Middle Road.
Technical Reports
Another set of hoops that had to be gotten through included a Cover Letter, Zoning By-law Amendment Application, a Conceptual Site Plan Layout, a Planning Justification Report, an Urban Design Brief, a Building Height Certification, a Noise Impact Assessment, a Traffic Brief & Parking Study, a Functional Servicing & Stormwater Management Report, an Environmental Site Screening Questionnaire; a Land Use Compatibility Assessment, a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, and a Tree Inventory and Preservation Study.
The application along with these materials have been circulated to various departments and agencies for technical review.
The next set of boxes that are going to have to be ticked off are various policy framework documents. The proposed Zoning By-law amendment application is subject to the following policy framework:
The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), 2014;
Places to Grow, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017;
Halton Region Official Plan;
City of Burlington Official Plan, Orchard Community Secondary Plan
City of Burlington Zoning By- law 2020.
 Provincial policy determines what a municipality can and must do. The subject lands are designated in the zoning bylaw as Residential – Medium Density.
According to the Residential Areas policies, residential areas are intended to provide housing and other land uses that are part of a residential environment, and may take forms ranging from detached homes to high-rise apartment structures.
One of the objectives of the Residential designation is to encourage new residential development and residential intensification within the Urban Planning Area in accordance with Provincial growth management objectives, while recognizing that the amount and form of intensification must be balanced with other planning considerations, such as infrastructure capacity, compatibility, integration with existing residential neighbourhoods, and protection of the natural environment.
 This is what most of the Orchard community is today. Another objective of this designation is to provide housing opportunities that encourage usage of public transit, pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks and decrease dependence on the car. The designation also encourages the integration of a wide range of housing types and tenure, while requiring new residential development to be compatible with surrounding properties.
 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Medium Density designation, either ground or non- ground-oriented housing units with a density ranging between 26 and 50 units per new hectare shall be permitted. Within the Orchard Community, there are site specific policies which permit the following housing forms within the Residential – Medium Density designations: townhouses; street townhouses and stacked townhouses; semi- detached, duplexes, three-plexes and four-plexes. This designation also permits detached dwelling units up to a maximum of 15 percent of the total housing mix on each property.
Draft New Official Plan
The city has been working on a new Official Plan that was presented as a Draft document on April 6, 2017. The document communicates Council’s vision and establishes strategic priorities for the City’s growth management, land use and infrastructure.
 The draft new Official Plan designates the subject lands as Residential Neighbourhood Areas, and more specifically Residential – Medium Density. The Residential Neighbourhood Areas are intended to provide for housing and other residential supportive land uses that are part of an urban residential environment. New residential housing within the Residential Neighbourhood Areas shall be accommodated primarily through infill or intensification, of existing areas, where compatible.
On lands designated Residential – Medium Density, ground and non-ground oriented dwellings including single-detached and semi-detached dwellings, townhouses, street townhouses, stacked townhouses, back-to-back townhouses and low-rise residential buildings may be permitted. Lands within this designation shall be permitted at a density of 26 to 75 units per net hectare,( it was 26 and 50 in the current Official Plan) with a maximum height of three storeys for ground- oriented dwellings and four storeys for non-ground oriented dwellings.
Draft new Official Plan policies were brought to the public and Council for consultation over the spring and summer of 2017. The draft new Official Plan is scheduled to be presented to the Planning and Development Committee and Council in the fall of 2017 for adoption.
Orchard Community Secondary Plan
The Orchard Community Secondary Plan final report, dated February 1995, identified three key elements of the community structure as the transit corridors, residential neighbourhoods and a connected open space system. At the time, the Orchard Community was expected to develop at generally higher densities than those found throughout the existing suburban areas of Burlington.
 The subject lands are located in the southern portion of the Orchard Community and were identified as Residential – Medium Density. In Medium Density Residential areas, either ground or non-ground oriented housing units with a density between 26 and 50 units per hectare shall be permitted. This designation permits housing forms such as street, block and stacked townhouses, semi-detached, duplexes, three-plexes and four- plexes. The designation also permits detached dwelling units up to a maximum of 15 percent of the total housing mix on each property.
City of Burlington Zoning By-law 2020
5219 Upper Middle Road is currently zoned ‘Development (D)’, while the remaining properties subject to this application are zoned ‘Medium Density Residential (RM3-138)’ with a site specific provision. The ‘D’ zone only permits a single detached dwelling. The ‘RM3’ zone permits a variety of dwelling types from a detached dwelling to an apartment building, as well as a retirement home or community institutional use. The site specific provision applying to the vacant parcels (138) sets out zoning regulations for detached dwellings, semi- detached dwellings and street townhouse dwellings, and limits a maximum of 15% of the total of all dwelling units located within all lots and blocks zoned ‘RM3-138’ to be detached units.
The applicants are proposing to amend the Zoning By-law by changing the zoning of the subject properties from ‘D’ and ‘RM3-138’ to a site specific ‘Orchard Community Residential to permit the proposed semi-detached and townhouse development.
Technical Review
On May 5, 2017, staff circulated a request for comments to internal and external agencies, including Halton Region. Agency comments will be addressed in the subsequent recommendation report.
Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC):
BEDC has no comments.
Halton District School Board (HDSB):
HDSB has no objection to the proposed application, as submitted.
Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB):
In response to the application which seeks to permit the development of 8 semi- detached and 14 residential townhouse units, the HCDSB has no objection.
Parks and Open Space:
Adequate parkland is available to accommodate this development as Brada Woods Park and Orchard Woodlot are located within the 0.8km distance for a neighborhood park and the 2.4km distance for a community park. As such we recommend cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication be applied for this development.
We note a driveway in the east side of the proposed development. This driveway is immediately adjacent to the existing service road/walkway access around the storm water pond facility. The city will not permit snow to be deposited on the storm pond lands and or trail. We would recommend a buffer between the development and the city storm water facility be incorporated to ensure there is space for snow disposition. We will also require a chain link fence be placed on the city side of the property line. Please note gate opening through the fence will not be allowed.
Site Engineering:
Prior to providing a recommendation, Site Engineering requires further information to be submitted for review.
Finance Department:
Property taxes must be paid in full, including all installments levied.
Transportation Planning:
Transportation Planning has reviewed the Transportation Brief for 5219 Upper Middle Road & 2004-2005 Georgina Crt and is satisfied with the Conclusions.
In response to feedback received at the neighbourhood meeting (May 23rd 2017) regarding the potential for a traffic signal at the intersection of Quinte Street and Upper Middle Road, Transportation Services staff conducted a traffic signal review for this location. Based on the traffic data available for this intersection (taking into account the estimated number of trips proposed to be generated by this development in the AM and PM peak hours), it was determined that a traffic signal is not warranted.
City Forestry / Landscaping:
Urban Forestry has no objection to the rezoning of this site. Additional tree planting should be provided where possible, and tree and landscape planting on site should be carefully considered within the context of the site.
Halton Region:
Regional staff has no objection to the above noted application, subject to the provision of a holding provision, until such time that as servicing and environmental matters have been addressed to the Region’s satisfaction.
All the boxes up to this point have the tick in the box.
That’s how intensification development gets done.
 The developer took this … It was done in the Queensway where six properties were turned into 58 housing units.
 … and put up this. The Burlington that once was – isn’t going to be for much longer.
Not really very much that can be done to prevent it.
 By Staff
September 30th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It is better.
Much better.
Exceptionally fast.
The techies at city hall have switched the search engine on the city web site from what we think was the Google engine to something called Cludo.
It is a very significant change and a huge improvement.
 Going to the city web site for information was more often than not a frustrating exercise.
We want to spend more time playing with this new search engine – at first look it is good, very very good.
The one thing we would have liked to see is the date of the information – and perhaps ranking them by date – maybe that will come later.
Kudo’s to whoever found the new search engine and convinced the city manager to go with it.
The service the city uses is called Cludo – we suspect some organizations might want to look into this for their own web site.
When you do a search information appears very quickly – keep your eye on the box that appears on the right – it breaks the information out into the kind of data that is available.
 By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They will be knocking on your door in the very near future – they might have done so already.
They are the Joseph Brant Hospital Fund raising volunteers
 Canvassers will be wearing vests with the hospital logo and carrying an ID badge. These canvassers are asking residents to join the Dedicated Donors Club with a monthly donation in support of our community hospital.
These donation are sort of like the promotion at the supermarket – you know those two for the price of one.
For every dollar you donate the Paletta Family will match that donation. Think about that – makes reaching the target a lot easier.
The Pasquale and Anita Paletta Family Match Challenge, which will run until $5 Million is donated and matched.
 It was a rainy day – which didn’t seem to matter. Hundreds of Burlingtonians flooded into Spencer Smith Park and formed up unto a massive J in an attempt to set a new Guinness Book of Records number. So far more than $3 Million has been raised and matched by the Paletta Family, bringing the New Era Campaign to over $56M: the goal is $60M goal.
This campaign will continue to raise awareness and funds in support of the redevelopment and expansion project currently underway at Joseph Brant Hospital.
Each canvasser will be wearing a vest and have photo I.D. which confirms they are working on behalf of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.
 The new front door to the Joseph Brant Hospital. There is a short (two minutes) video that gives you nice look see of the new addition. Annisa Hilborn, President of the Hospital Foundation, tells the story about how the hospital got rebuilt. Worth the time viewing.
 By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The latest Molinaro project made its public bow last night at a community presentation at the Performing Arts Centre. The general public got a look at what the developer plans for a site on the corner of Ontario and Brock Streets.
 Proposed 22 storey tower for a part of the city that has a number of high rises. Good design. The developer has made an application for a change to both the current Official Plan and the zoning bylaw for a 22 storey, 170 unit apartment condominium complex that will have four levels of underground parking. There will be a roof top amenity area and two levels of mechanical space on that top level.
The building is distinctly different in terms of design. While taller, it is also going to be quite a bit slimmer than high rise buildings in Burlington have been in the past.
The city put in place Guidelines for the construction of tall buildings – the objective was to ensure that there was a decent amount of space between the buildings and that people have a view that was not looking into someone else’s bedroom.
These public meetings are part of the process that takes place for every development. There will be a statutory public meeting at city hall where people can go on record as being opposed to or in favour of a development.
The application is in the hands of the Planning department who review all the studies the developer was required to submit. There will be ongoing discussion with the Planning consultant the developer hired and eventually a report from the city planners with their recommendation as to what city council should decide to do.
The city Planner’s report is debated at length at a city council Standing Committee meeting and then goes to a Council meeting where it is either approved or not approved.
Most developments do get approved, many have changes made based on what gets discussed at the Standing Committee level.
When the city planners completed their explaining the meeting got turned over to Marianne Meed Ward, the Councillor for ward 2.
She said “something will be developed on the site” and explained that this was the time for people to say what they liked and didn’t like.
There were about 55 to 60 people in the Community Studio at the Performing Arts Centre – the traffic and noise concerns were the biggest issues. Any development downtown has to get through the traffic concern hoops.
 Aerial view with rendering of proposed building dropped in. People do get upset over applications to change the permitted height of a building. Asking that property zoned for 7 storey’s be changed to allow 20 storey’s plus offends some people – even though, in this instance there are already a number of buildings that are well above that seven storey level.
Meed Ward did say that the city hasn’t done that good a job at explaining the development process to the public and the public believes that city council rolls over for every developer who walks into the Council chamber.
It is a complex process – and while the public is convinced that every developer is making huge profits the reality is that the developer has to assemble the land, pay significant development charges, cover the cost of the various studies that are required before they can put a shovel in th ground.
The risk is significant.
These first public meetings always bring out the concerns of people who tend not to be in favour of developments. The concerns are usually related to traffic, noise and sometimes light pollution.
These meetings start with a presentation from a city planner who explains what the fundamentals of the development are and what the developer is asking for.
In 2011 the Molinaro’s took part in a meeting to show the public what they planned to build on the corner of Brock and Elgin.
The company asked for a height and density increase from seven to 14 storeys – which they got.
They moved their corporate offices into the ground floor and rented space to member of the provincial legislature.
 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward,chaired part of the meeting and did what she does better than any other Councillor, coaxing comments out of her constituents and listening to what they have to say. Getting that project approved was not a slam dunk – the public didn’t like very much about the building and they were really opposed to the idea of more traffic.
It was not the most orderly of meetings.
All the complaints that were heard at the 2011 public meeting were heard once again last might. Traffic, traffic and noise.
One women rose to speak about the noise. She said she was an early riser and when she sat outside on her balcony she could hear the traffic noise from the Skyway. Sound carries and having the stillness of the morning disturbed by the sounds of hundreds of cars travelling at pretty high speed over a bridge is part of living in an urban setting.
The biggest in the meeting Wednesday meeting was that a number of people liked the design – several called it a beautiful building and it is indeed a much more attractive building than what we call Brock 1 – the first building the company built on that location.
There were complaints about light pollution, there were complaints about the number of visitor parking spaces. developers have this conundrum before them. The city is pushing for more use of public transit, they want to see fewer cars on the streets; there is a movement to shared car ownership which will mean that the need for parking spaces will not be as high – but no one wants to be in a building that doesn’t have parking spaces.
The Molinaro Planning consultant Fothergill pointed out that the building they construct today are going to be there 50 years from now when our relationship to the automobile is going to be a lot different.
There were concerns that the building might become rental units and have residents that were not sufficiently “invested” in the building and let it become a poorly maintained ghetto.
Meed Ward pointed out that Burlington does not have enough in the way of rental properties – more are needed.
There was a considerable amount of snobbishness swirling around the room.
About a dozen people chose to speak; notes were taken and will be part of the review the city planners do as they prepare their recommendation.
While architectural renderings always show a building through rose coloured glasses – Graziani + Coraza have done some remarkable work elsewhere in the GTA – if the final product is close to the renderings the building is going to be a pleasure to look at. The Molinaro’s deserve credit for adding some interesting architecture to the city.
“MY STYLE of deal-making is quite simple and straightforward. I aim very high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what I’m after.” ― Trump: The Art of the Deal
 By Ray Rivers
September 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The first push, tariffs the US imposed on Canadian softwood lumber, hit us only a couple of months ago. This is not the first time the US has attempted to disrupt trade on this file. But it’s an easy target since Canada virtually owns the US market for imported softwood.
Another pressure point is Canada’s supply management systems, notably dairy. The US dairy corporations would dearly like to break open this market to their products and help alleviate the subsidized over-production of milk products stateside. This even though American dairy farmers are already net exporters to our country.
 Boeing wants to do everything it can to protect its markets world wide – keeping Bombardier out o their market is one part o that process. And this week there was a whacking 220% countervail duty imposed on Bombardier’s new passenger plane being sold to Delta airlines. Quebec’s one billion investment in our modest aircraft maker apparently ticked off mighty Boeing Corporation who isn’t even competing in that market. And Boeing itself is in a he-said-she-said battle over subsidies with European Airbus, given the billions of bucks it gets from US and state governments.
It’s the ‘art of the deal’. Trump’s strategy to help make America great again involves having your cake and eating it too. And flexing muscles is all part of the game. If he can hurt us enough then maybe we’ll give in to US demands to restructure NAFTA to America’s advantage; American courts, guaranteed US content in imports and none of that environmental, aboriginal or gender nonsense.
To be clear NAFTA is a free trade agreement in name only. Unlike real free trade as they have in the EU, the North American entities still maintain customs at the borders and mostly restrict labour movement. Even so, there is overwhelming proof that the ‘three amigos’ trade deal has been successful.
 It’s tough to maintain a strong positive trading relationship with a partner, the President of the United States, that doesn’t understand and is probably unfit for the job he holds. It has helped grow all three members’ economies and has lifted Mexico’s standard of living the most. In fact economic growth there has helped curtail and even reverse the flow of illegal immigrants into the US. It is unfortunate that the US president fails to appreciate the irony in that NAFTA has done more to stop illegal Mexican immigration into his country than his border wall ever will.
The USA is neighbour, good friend and biggest trading partner so the Canadian and Mexican governments have been careful in responding to all the turbulence and chaos they’ve seen recently whether in trade, environment, immigration or other global affairs. Canada’s response to the softwood lumber assault was measured and cautious, relying on mechanisms that have served us well in the past.
The challenge is to stay calm and avoid a real trade war, in which case nobody wins. This is just a negotiating strategy after all, led by your above average American real estate tycoon, the man who wrote the book. After all, tearing up NAFTA would hurt everyone in our relatively integrated North American industrial economy, even if it might proportionally hurt Canada and Mexico more in the short run.
One would think even Trump would get that. But he doesn’t because free trade is incompatible with an ‘America First’ protectionist doctrine. The principle of comparative advantage, which underlies the very idea of free trade, is a sort of zero sum game. When everyone wins, America wins. It really is a little different than managing a casino where only the Casino owner wins.
 The Boeing aircraft manufacturing company would like to sell their Super Hornet fighter aircraft to Canada. We need new military airplanes. But they don’t want to allow a Canadian company to sell their aircraft into the American market. Nice people. Canada does have to respond, as part of the negotiation game, and we have the means to effect some damage. No super hornets is an obvious first step. Joining the Europeans, our latest free trade partners, in their ongoing confrontation over who subsidizes more – Boeing or Airbus – is a no brainer. And we should consider countervail on any Boeing sales here if we can prove it.
But we need to remember that Boeing also employs Canadians and that US presidents come and go and the next one may be a free-trader for a change. Still NAFTA is tired and in need of an update. It is time to scrap that overreaching ‘investor-state’ provision for starters.
The entire trade deal needs to be built around environmental considerations with appropriate measures for protection, including mitigating climate change. And there can be no real free trade in services without free mobility of labour and common labour standards. This is the cornerstone of the EU and its free trade area.
Free trade is a neoliberal concept and one that most conservatives applaud because of the opportunity if offers to better the business case. But Donald Trump is neither a neoliberal nor a conservative – he is just Trump. And it is doubtful that he really understands that running a perpetual trade surplus, even if the US could, is every bit as unsustainable as running an on-going deficit.
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington in 1995. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Art of the Deal – Softwood – More Softwood – Boeing-Bombardier –
More Bombardier – After NAFTA – Boeing Subsidies –
Canada-US Trading – Neoliberalism –
By Staff
September 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The city is changing its search tool provider to Cludo, which will allow for a more comprehensive site search.
As a result, there may be periodic outages from 8 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 27.
 Will the new search tool on the city web site really make a difference? We can live with periodic outages for part of a day and we will look with great, interest, hope and anticipation for an improved search tool.
Whatever the name of the one that was being used “terrible” would have been very appropriate.
Wait for a report.
 By Staff
September 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Minister of Finance is going to be in Oakville DAY evening, supported by the two Burlington MP’s and the MP from Oakville.
 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, goes face-to-face with Finance Minister Bill Morneau
The event is set up as a Town hall with Minister Morenau on Proposed Tax Changes – Friday, September 29th
Pam Damoff, Karina Gould and Kevin Flynn will be in the room that is going to be packed beyond capacity.
One Burlington resident tried to register and was told that the event was SOLD OUT.
 Kevin Flynn –  Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville Burlington North  Karina Gould, MP and Minister of Democratic Institutions There are a lot of people who are not buying into the federal government’s plans to change the tax code and disallow feature of that code that have allowed high earners to move some of their income to family members who pay a lower tax rate.
Oakville and Burlington certainly have a high number of those high earners – should be a boisterous evening.
Event takes place at: Unifor 707 Galaxy Hall, 475 North Service Road East, Oakville, ON, L6H 1A5
Doors open at 8:00 AM, Town Hall meeting from 8:30-9:30 AM
We will report for you.
 By Staff
September 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., there will be several road closures due to the CIBC Run for the Cure, which will affect Burlington Transit Routes 3, 4 and 10.
 There are some routes that will not have bus service on October 1st Route 3 will not service Guelph Line south of Woodward Avenue, or Lakeshore Road between Guelph Line and the John Street Terminal. Instead, Route 3 will use Woodward Avenue, Drury Lane and New Street
Route 4 will not service Teen Tour Way. Instead, it will use Drury Lane.
Route 10 will not service New Street between Drury Lane and Woodview Road. Instead, it will use Drury Lane, Prospect Street, Cumberland Avenue, Rexway Drive and Woodview Road.
By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It has been hot.
Been that way for two days so far this week and we are probably going to see more of this type of weather before the snow arrives.
And for students in classrooms with no air conditioning – this is not fun time nor is it the kind of environment that learning takes place in very efficiently.
Superintendent of Facilities Gerry Cullen reports that all of Hayden high school is air conditioned?
The Education centre is air conditioned.
All of the high schools have some area that is air conditioned. Newer schools (since Iroquois Ridge) are air conditioned in most areas. Some shop areas may not have air conditioning.
Any elementary school built in the last 25+ years are air conditioned. Some older ones have an area, typically the library, is air conditioned.
The Board has a program in place that is installing air conditioning in older two level buildings. It is part of the ” Close the Gap” projects.
The school board does have a policy related to weather conditions but it is skewed to winter weather. “In rare circumstances, the Director of Education may order schools closed due to extreme weather conditions.”
 The best some schools could do was open windows. In some schools the windows cannot be opened. When the heat or high humidity is combined with other stresses such as hard physical work, physical activity/play, loss of fluids, fatigue or some medical conditions, it may lead to heat-related illness, disability and even death. Some individuals are more susceptible to heat related illness: children less than 15 years old, seniors 65 years and older, children playing sports or prolonged physical exertion, children wearing excessive/heavy clothing, children on certain medications.
Therefore, it is very important to have a Hot Weather Action Plan to deal with these occurrences and to provide precautions on very hot days to protect both students and staff from heat related illnesses and heat stress. Heat stress is affected by 4 environmental factors: air temperature, humidity, air movement and radiant heat. Individual factors such as age, existing medical and physical conditions also play a part in how an individual copes during times of extremely hot weather.
Additional information about preventative measures to manage hot weather conditions can be found on the Region of Halton website at https://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=13696.
 Do we issue students with fans? 4. Hot Weather Action Plan
• The plan should be activated when weather/environmental triggers occur such as:
• the humidex reaches or exceeds 35ºC;
• Environmental Canada Humidex Advisory (air temperature exceeding 30ºC and the humidex exceeds 40ºC) is issued;
• there is a smog alert and higher temperatures (27-30ºC); or
• a heat wave occurs (3 or more days of 32ºC or higher temperatures).
• Parents and staff should be notified whenever the hot weather plan is activated. Note that there is no specific temperature or humidex value that would trigger schools to close.
A Hot Weather Action Plan includes the following general prevention and control measures:
1.1 Communication
• When hot weather conditions described above (item 1) exist in the Halton Region, the Director or designate will communicate to schools that they are to initiate their Hot Weather Action Plan.
 Getting students outside and under trees is going to be one of the solutions when the heat is extreme. 1.2 General Prevention and Controls
• Use PA announcements to advise students not to overexert themselves during nutrition breaks
• Make use of shady areas in the schoolyard.
• Consider indoor or modified recesses and lunch hours. Limit time outdoors when temperatures and UV radiation are most intense, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Make available and encourage students to drink plenty of cool water throughout the day.
• Inform staff on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress (see chart) and monitor students for these signs.
• Recognize that students who have been on vacation or absent from school need to be acclimatized to working in heat.
• Keep as many heat-generating appliances and fixtures off while maintaining safety. Shut off computers and projectors when not in use.
• If there is a breeze outside and the humidex levels are not excessive, consider opening operable windows.
• Increase air movement with the use of fans if temperature is less than 35ºC and the relative humidity is below 70%.
• Keep blinds/curtains closed in classrooms/offices directly exposed to sunlight. Turn off any unnecessary lights.
• If air conditioning is present in some areas of the building, consider cycling classes through these areas.
• If possible, reschedule physical activities and slow down the pace of physical activities as appropriate.
• Avoid activities in direct sunlight.
• Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks, if necessary.
• Cool the body by placing cool, wet paper towels or cloths on the head, forehead or neck. Forearms may also be submersed in cool water.
• When in doubt, seek assistance for the school’s qualified First Aiders for the identification and treatment of heat related disorders.
• Monitor local radio stations for announcements regarding humidex readings.
1.3 Personal Protective Equipment
• Light summer weight clothing made from natural fibers should be worn (whenever possible) to allow free air movement and sweat evaporation. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics.
• If participating in outdoor activities, wear light coloured clothing.
• Students are encouraged to wear a sunscreen containing a minimum SPF of 15 when outdoors. Other protective measures include a brimmed hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet radiation protection.
 There are stations similar to this around Burlington now. will we see more of these in schools?  Some students may succumb to the heat and faint – teachers are going to need some instruction. 1.4 Heat Related Illnesses
• People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature rises rapidly and they are unable to properly cool themselves.
• Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
• People are generally unable to notice their own heat stress related symptoms. Their survival depends on the ability of others, especially adults, to recognize these symptoms and seek timely first aid and medical help.
• Staff should be aware of signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. When in doubt, seek assistance for the school’s qualified First Aiders for the identification and treatment of heat related disorders.
Stop activity and seek medical help immediately if someone:
• has difficulty breathing,
• experiences weakness or fainting,
• is feeling more tired than usual,
• is feeling sick,
• has a headache, and/or
• is experiencing confusion.
• Move the person to a shaded area or indoors to a cooler place. Give the person sips of cool water, not ice water, or a sports drink. Do not provide salt tablets. Although the body will lose a lot of water during times of heavy perspiration, not a lot of salt is lost. Adding extra salt can raise the sodium levels in the body to hazardous levels.
Only a doctor should advise on using salt additives.
Lot’s of detail – this week, so far, the humidex did reach that 35 degree level and the Board of Education didn’t issue any statements to the public generally.
This is a new situation – everyone is going to have to adapt – what steps the Board of Education is going to have to take are going to need some attention.
By Pepper Parr
September 26, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District Board of Education is always looking for opportunities to make the course offerings more creative and relative to the work force students will be going into when they graduate.
During the PARC discussions members of that committee wanted to see some innovation – they weren’t at all sure that the school board had the same understanding of just what innovation is in the eyes of the public sector and the way it was interpreted by the private sector.
 Small school – they roar when they have to. The Board had an addition problem – enrollment at the Aldershot high school was low – 358 now with a capacity for 558. One school board Superintendent summed it up pretty well when she said “there are elementary schools in Burlington with higher enrollments”
Aldershot is a grade 7–12 school. It was originally just a high school that had grades 7 and 8 added in 2001 to make use of spare capacity.
Aldershot was at risk during the PAR process – it was spared but the Board knew that it had to do something to increase enrollment.
The community is being asked by the school board what they would like to see added to the school’s curriculum.
 All kinds of ideas have been floated – an alternative school, an arts school or a school that focused on entrepreneurship. What had become evident was that the school board did not have a clear idea or pedagogical objective – they seemed to be flailing about for the “right idea”.
Given the continued enrollment challenges at Aldershot High School, the School Board decided to explore possible theme/magnet/incubator programs that are in alignment with the Multi-Year Plan, will increase student enrollment, and enhance student choice.
The asking for ideas is being labelled the Aldershot High School Focus Exploration.
The decision to go looking for something that will boost enrollment came out of the Program accommodation Review process – the concern was the possibility of closing yet another high school and have all the Aldershot students bused to Central high school. The political flash back from that was more than anyone wanted to take on.
 Early rendering of the Station West development proposed for the Aldershot GO station area. Aldershot is in the awkward position of having an older population that is going through a process of transition. There are a number of developments that will add significantly to the student population which includes the ADI Station West project next to the Aldershot GO Station; the National Homes project that is being proposed for Brant Street, a project on Plains Road where there is currently a Bingo Hall and then the long term upgrade to the Georgian Court Community.
Add to that the long delayed Eagle Heights project that Paletta interests have been sitting on for more than a decade.
Lots of development in the pipeline – the School Board’s problem is that it has empty seats today and needs to do something.
It will be interesting to see what gets put into the ideas box,
The School Board has said it “will explore (and potentially develop) unique programs that currently exist provincially, nationally and internationally.
Whatever they recommend will align with the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum expectations.
The request to the community for ideas ends on October 20th with the following meeting dates
Exploration Committee Meeting #1 – Oct. 24 (3 – 5 pm) @ Aldershot High School
Open House – Nov. 13 (5 – 7 pm) @ Aldershot High School
Exploration Committee Meeting #2 – Dec. 7 (3 – 5 pm) @ Aldershot High School
Exploration Committee Meeting #3 – Dec. 12 (3 – 5 pm) @ Aldershot High School
All those meetings are in the afternoon – doesn’t exactly encourage parent attendance. There are some really smart people in Aldershot that shouldn’t have to take time off work to participate.
 Superintendent Terri Blackwell  Superintendent Jacqueline Newton  Superintendent Gord Truffen The ideas that come in are going to be sorted through by the committee formed to figure out what can be done with Aldershot. Committee members are Superintendent Jacqueline Newton, she handles the innovation file, Superintendent Gord Truffen – he oversees IT, School principal Maria McLellan, Student representation, Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of Education responsible for the Aldershot file and Superintendent Julie Hunt Gibbons
It will be interesting to see what they find in the Ideas Box.
In an earlier edition of this story we noted that the name of the ward trustee was not on the list. The staff people we interviewed did not mention the name of the trustee.
They apologize for that error
 By Staff
September 26th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Frequently our readers make the case for change and wonder why the bureaucrats are not on top of the task?
 Kevin White Ken White, an Alton Village resident, makes a significant point when he comments on the push to intensify and get people out of their cars and onto public transportation or their bicycles.
Here is his comment:
“The Provincial Intensification target was in part meant to promote public transit to accommodate housing density. This was to reduce greenhouse gases and add a mix of affordable housing.
“Fast forward to Burlington and as evidenced by the Committee of the Whole council took part in on September 7th.
“We learned then that we essentially don’t have a transit plan and in fact Burlington Transit will require years of intense investment to bring it to the point of sustainability.
 The city doesn’t have a capital budget for transit – relies on part of the gas tax they get from the province and the federal budget. “A total failure of project management where transit is working in one silo and planning is working in another.
“Frankly, if you can’t convince anyone that you can move this intensified city then you have no business adding population in the first place.”
Is this the first look at a citizen thinking about elected public service?
 By Staff
September 26, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Herd today announced that the team has re-signed manager Kevin Hussey for the 2018 season. Hussey returns for his first full season as the skipper after replacing former Herd Manager Jeff Lounsbury in 2017.
 Kevin Hussey – won one game against a superior team – that got him the job of coach for the Burlington Herd. The 30-year-old Hussey was named the fourth manager in Burlington Herd history on July 13, 2017, the day he led the Herd to its first and only victory during the quarter finals – the London Majors took that series 4-1.
Looks as if the Herd felt that if Hussey could win a game against a tough team perhaps he was the guy to be given the task of somehow making a winning tram out of the Herd.
We wish him well,
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Kevin played four years of college baseball at Olney Central Junior College between 2006-2008 and Chicago State University between 2008-2010.
During his time with both colleges, Kevin was a two year starter in both the NJCAA Division I and NCAA Division I baseball programs.
 Hussy took to the field with the Burlington Bandits as the teams starting catcher. In 31 games played, Hussey recorded a .290 batting average with 12 doubles, one home run and 16 RBIs. This past season with the Herd, Hussey has recorded two doubles, three home runs and eight RBI’s.
“We are very excited to welcome Kevin back as the field manager for the Herd,” said Herd President Ryan Harrison. “Kevin is committed to winning and creating that winning atmosphere in the clubhouse.”
In addition to his duties as field manager, Hussey will have direct input in assembling the 2018 roster for the Herd, including scouting, signing players and handling all operational aspects of the on field team.
InterCounty Baseball came to Burlington in 2011, first as the Twins, then as the Bandits and now the Herd
 By Staff
September 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
David Suzuki won’t get to Burlington until November – but if you want a ticket to the event – log into the Performing Arts Centre Wednesday – sometime after the noon hour and get your ticket. – They will move quickly.
 Jane Goodall spent time in Burlington in 2012 – she was a huge hit. Burlington Green has been very good at bringing top name speakers to the city. Jane Goodall came in 2012 And was a huge success.
You can expect even more from Suzuki.
“We’re expecting tickets to sell very quickly. David Suzuki doesn’t come to this part of the province often,” says BurlingtonGreen executive director Amy Schnurr. “All summer we’ve heard how excited people are to hear him speak.”
“Grassroots people have been organizing in towns and cities like Hamilton and Burlington and asking our politicians to recognize our right to live in a healthy environment,” said David Suzuki, award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. “For the first time in Canadian history, our elected members of parliament are coming around to the simple but powerful idea that Canadians deserve to drink safe water, breath fresh air and eat clean food.”
Both Hamilton and Burlington have passed declarations recognizing their residents’ right to live in a
healthy environment.
 David Suzuki is a very engaging person. He dives right in and asks questions – younger audiences love him; adults revere him. Before the public event, David Suzuki will join 700 Halton youth for a free all-day environmental leadership conference co-hosted by BurlingtonGreen and the David Suzuki Foundation.
“Youth have a vital role to play in the environmental rights movement,” says Peter Wood, national campaign manager for environmental rights at the David Suzuki Foundation. “Two years ago, students at Ancaster High School and Acton District High School self-organized and successfully lobbied their city Councillors to pass a declaration supporting the right to a healthy environment. By inspiring government to do the right thing, the youth of today can become the environmental leaders of tomorrow.”
Event information are available at www.BurlingtonGreen.org or through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre box office. The event doesn’t appear to be on the Performing Arts Centre web site – you might be better served to give them a call – 905-681-6000
By Pepper Parr
September 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a four part series on the city’s Grow Bold initiative.
When a developer takes an application to the Planning department there are close to a dozen different studies that have to be provide an Urban Design Brief, Noise Study, Shadow Impact Assessment, Pedestrian Wind Assessment, Transportation Impact Study, Parking Study and TDM Options, Functional Servicing Report,
Environmental Site Screening Questionnaire, Geotechnical Engineering Report, Hydrogeological Investigation Report and a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
 Some developers engage a consultant to provide an opinion on the relevance of the development and how it will impact and fit into the long term plans the city has. It is not unusual for a report from a consultant to question some of the information the city has published and to offer a different analysis of the data.
These reports are a healthy part of the city building process.
 Architectural rendering of a proposed 26 storey tower across Brant Street from city hall. The Carriage Gate group has an application for a proposed 26 storey mixed use development with 179 residential condominium units, street-related retail uses and second storey office space.
At times these reports don’t get public exposure – they aren’t secret but sometimes they don’t get a solid public debate, which is unfortunate for the report that was prepared by the Altus Group, an economic consulting organization that was retained by 421 Brant Street Inc., to offer a different perspective, sets out just what they think the city is looking at with its Grow Bold initiative.
The report runs more than 60 pages and it is complex but there is some very solid evidence that we feel should be available to the public.
If you care about what happens to your city and the kind of growth it is going to go through in the next two decades read on. We set out the views expressed by the consultants with some analysis as to just what this is going to mean in a larger context.
The Altus report explains the development in relation to the various pieces of provincial and municipal planning policies applicable to Burlington.
The intensification Burlington is going through is determined first by the province that determines where future growth should go and then assign a population number to each part of the province.
The Halton Region Official Plan allocates 8,086 new units to be achieved in the built-up area of Burlington over the 2017 to 2031 period.
According to Altus, on an annual basis, the target is 33% higher than the amount of intensification achieved in Burlington over the 2006 to 2016 period.
They add that the scale of the high density building proposed for 421 Brant Street is modest relative to the Halton Region target.
 Then they add this astonishing statement:
At least 45 new buildings of similar scale would be needed within the built-up area of Burlington over the 2017 to 2031 period to achieve the 8,086 new units required under the Halton Region Official Plan.
That is an astounding statement that doesn’t seem to have seeped into the public debate even though every member of Council was given a copy of the report. The Planning department has copies and they aren’t likely to ignore a report from a firm with the enviable Altus Group reputation.
 The city has broken the downtown core into precincts and set height levels for each. These have yet to be approved by city council. Provincial and municipal planning policies require that a significant share of Burlington’s population growth and residential intensification occur in the Downtown Burlington urban growth centre. Those same policies require that the Downtown urban growth centre achieve a minimum density target of at least 200 residents and or jobs per hectare by 2031 or earlier.
The 2017 Growth Plan allocates 220,000 more residents to Halton Region by 2041, over and above the 780,000 residents provided for in the current Halton Region Official Plan. The minimum intensification targets in the 2017 Growth Plan are substantially higher than the minimum intensification targets in the Halton Region Official Plan.
Over the period leading up to the next Regional municipal comprehensive review, optimizing the use of land in locations that offer convenient access to jobs, stores and services, transportation options and public service facilities will help set the stage for the accommodation of the additional amounts of intensification required under the 2017 Growth Plan.
The residential component of the 421 Brant development is to include:
• 34 one bedroom units;
• 108 two bedroom units; and
• 37 three bedroom units.
The Altus report examines the economic and housing implications of the proposed development in the context of provincial and municipal planning policies. They don’t make a recommendation – they just lay out the facts as they read them and point out the implications.
 By Pepper Parr
September 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The high school education I got – more than 60 years ago, is a lot different than the high school education Andrea Taylor got before she started her university studies at McMaster and then went on to Queen’s to do graduate work in education.
And the high school education that Taylor was responsible for delivering to students at M.M. Robinson high school where she was principal for five years was different yet again.
“It used to be that students had to fit into the mold the classroom teacher created” said Taylor – “now the classroom teacher has to find a way to fit into and work with what the students bring to the classroom. “There is no pigeon holing in schools today. The challenge today is huge and the dynamic is a lot different.”
“How do we prepare our high school students to develop careers in areas that don’t exist today? What are we preparing students for? We often don’t know but we do know that we can give them the tools they will need to grow and prosper.
“The challenges are immense.”
Today’s student has to deal with forces that are new to society. Student mental health was not an issue when Taylor was a high school student; today it is a prime concern for every principal in the system
 Andrea Taylor, principal at Gary Allan school. Taylor was the recipient of a Learning Partnership award and named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2017. She was one of two principals named in Halton. The award is given to high school principals from across the country who are then brought together for a five-day leadership training program at the Rotman School of Management.
Taylor, born in Toronto, spent some time in Vancouver and returned to Toronto.
She is one of four girls in the family.
The system Andrea Taylor became a part of in the early 1990’s when she started out as a classroom teacher was not all that healthy province wide.
In 1998, Michael Fullan and British educator Andy Hargreaves co-authored “What’s Worth Fighting for in Education?” It was the beginning of a much different look at the way we were educating our children.
Fullan was the Dean of the Faculty of Education in 1988; and remained Dean following its amalgamation with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in 1996.
His work is what brought Ontario’s schools out of the troubled state they were in. “The system had flat lined across the province — results were stagnant year after year. Morale of teachers was low; the schools as a whole could be characterized as ‘loosely-coupled’ and without focus” claimed Fullan.
Fullan served as Special Policy Adviser in Education to the Premier of Ontario from 2004-2013. His work worked and by 2013, the overall performance of the almost 5,000 schools in the province had dramatically improved on most key measures and continues to improve to the point where Ontario is recognized as and proven to be one of the best school system in the English-speaking world — right up at the top with Finland, Singapore and South Korea.
 Andrea Taylor in discussion with Steve Armstrong during the PARC meetings. Taylor was part of that process as she moved from the elementary school level into high school, served as a vice principal and then was made principal of M.M. Robinson were she spent five years until her recent appointment as principal of Gary Allan – a school with four campuses and strong relationships with The Centre, a trade school that operates at arm’s length from the Board of Education, self funds but is tied into School Board policies.
Ontario had developed “from good to great.” The challenge now was to move from great to excellent.
“Greatness is the enemy of excellence because it is easy to be complacent, and take things for granted” claims Fullan.
The challenge now for educators like Taylor is to sustain improvement as well as go beyond it into new levels of learning through focused innovations.
 The exceptional improvement of the grade 3 reading scores is seen as a direct result of the introduction of full day kindergarten. There were significant achievements: Literacy and numeracy improved from 54 per cent to 70 per cent on average across the province’s 4,000 elementary schools as measured by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
Those numbers are even better for 2016.
Graduation rates improved by about two per cent every year, bringing the province’s 900 high schools to an 82 per cent graduation rate from its starting point of 68 per cent.
Fullan tells us that “What really sticks with the external researchers and the numerous site visitors to the province’s schools from all over the world is what they see and hear when they visit schools. They can go into almost any school in the province and they will find consistency of good practice. When they ask teachers or principals to explain what they are doing and why, they get specific. Educators can point to particular actions and show the link to student learning. They know where each and every student is on the learning journey.”
Taylor was a classroom teacher and a principal during this period of significant change. Chosen as a one of the best principals in the country was recognition that she not only participated in the change but was one of the leaders
Ontario’s full-day kindergarten now has all 250,000 four and five year-olds in full-day kindergarten, the first program of its kind in North America
Instructional strategies have been modified in grades 1 and 2 to match the new capabilities and confidences of the children being served.
The superb, best ever results in Halton for grade 3 reading and writing is a reflection of the full day kindergarten program.
What all of the above means is that teachers, individually and collectively — and the system as a whole — know what they are doing. They are doing it because it works. They are intrinsically motivated to keep on improving.
They are driven not just because they care, but also because they are actually making a measurable difference that affects the lives of their students.
The public has also noticed. Public satisfaction with the education system has moved from 43% in 2004 to the present all-time high of 65 per cent.
Just what the 21st century is going to require of educators was a large part of the week long session Taylor spent at the Rotman School of Business Management University of Toronto where the group of 49 Outstanding Principals met each day with leaders from different professional groups.
 Andre Taylor and Loui Silvestri the two Outstanding Principals in Halton for 2017. “They explained the changes they saw coming and dialogued with us on how our schools were a critical part of preparing students for a world that is in a constant state of change”, said Taylor
In a paper “Energizing Ontario Education”, three core priorities were established:
• High levels of student achievement — in literacy and numeracy at 75 per cent and in high school graduation at 85 per cent.
• Reduced gaps in school achievement for all subgroups of students.
• Increased public confidence in publicly funded education — greater two- way partnership and confidence with parents, communities and the public at large.
Fullan talks from that 40,000 foot up level when he says “People have been talking about skills for the 21st century for at least a quarter of a century — a conversation marked by superficiality and vague notions of what it means. This is rapidly changing as new pedagogical specificity and powerful technology converge. Ontario now has the capacity to make pedagogy the foundation in learning through the use of technology and new digital resources. What makes this even more exciting is that the new work is already happening in many pockets across the province.”
Taylor is one of those “pockets”. “Teachers have that special relationship with their students” she said. “I never had a student I didn’t like” and quietly recalled a student that was lost due to an accident.
Taylor has hired some of the students she taught in high school and added – as they grow up they do get away from calling me Ms Taylor. Some never do she added with a kind of “perky” smile.
Schools don’t offer cookie cutter programs anymore. There is an almost a limitless list of courses they can take.
“Every student has a gift, the task is to discover that gift with the student and then nurture and grow it”, said Taylor.
“Teachers don’t stand in front of the classroom any more, they partner with their students and prepare them for a world that is confusing, fearful at times and prone to change every 30 days.”
 The six Cs that Fullan brought to the table form the agenda: character, citizenship, communication, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and teamwork, and creativity and imagination.
Fullan explains that “As we delve into the meaning of these concepts, it is important to stress that we should not launch into an abstract discussion. In the next period of development, these core priorities must be defined, operationalized in practice, measured to mark success and to clarify progress. These next steps have to be widely shared because they work. This process of specificity and dissemination is our strength. We must put it to good use for the next phase of success.
“The capacity of educators in Ontario, as noted, is at such a high level as a result of the strategies of the past nine years that much of the leadership — what we might call leading from the middle — is already in the system. It needs to be cultivated and spread throughout the province, including establishing clarity of each of the six clusters and their interrelationships, learning experiences that develop the skills and dispositions in question, and the means of measuring and fostering progression in their development. But the middle cannot lead in a vacuum. Focused leadership from the government will continue to be essential for whole system excellence.”
Teachers use the six C’s which are defined as:
• Character education— honesty, self-regulation and responsibility, perseverance, empathy for contributing to the safety and benefit of others, self-confidence, personal health and well-being, career and life skills.
• Citizenship — global knowledge, sensitivity to and respect for other cultures, active involvement in addressing issues of human and environmental sustainability.
• Communication — communicate effectively orally, in writing and with a variety of digital tools; listening skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving — think critically to design and manage projects, solve problems, make effective decisions using a variety of digital tools and resources.
• Collaboration — work in teams, learn from and contribute to the learning of others, social networking skills, empathy in working with diverse others.
• Creativity and imagination — economic and social entrepreneurialism, considering and pursuing novel ideas, and leadership for action.
Some distance from the reading, writing and arithmetic – and that rote learning that was used when Taylor was an elementary school student.
Fullan adds that “The fundamental purpose of education in an excellent system is to produce in all of its graduates — as close to 100 per cent as possible — the quality of leadership. By that they mean the capacity and commitment to act for one’s own good and for the common good.”
 Elementary students are taught to think creatively and solve problems. When the province implemented Full Day Kindergarten it set in place programs that promote the development of self-regulation, social- emotional learning, inquiry skills, and play-based learning that fosters creativity, imagination and problem solving.
It is that vast and significant change that Taylor rode to the point where she now leads a program that wasn’t even thought of when she first became a teacher; heading up a school that has four campuses and a mandate to work with students who are as diverse as it gets and who are on learning curves that can range from catching up or taking a course that wasn’t available elsewhere.
The student body at Gary Allan ranges from late bloomer high school students to adults who are upgrading or getting a high school diploma that wasn’t available to them in their country of birth.
The Gary Allan school is just up the road from what used to be Elgin high school, it got renamed to Bateman when it was merged with what was General Brock. Now Bateman is scheduled to be closed.
It has indeed been a changing world for Andrea Taylor; one wonders what she will do at Gary Allan in the next five years.
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Things are moving along on two different levels: Parents who harbour the hope that somehow the Board of Education decision to close two of the cities seven high schools can be reversed while the Board of Education staff proceeds cautiously in making the changes at Nelson to accommodate the students body currently at Bateman high school who are scheduled to transfer in 2020 and the Lester B. Pearson students who move to M.M. Robinson in September o 2018.
The parents are waiting to learn who the Facilitator (there might be more than one) will be. The province has yet to announce anyone to the task. Senior people at the Board of Education are wondering what is taking so long.
The Board is committed to continuing the Program Accommodation Review (PAR) Implementation plan, while cognizant of the ongoing Administrative Review by the Ministry of Education.
 Jean Vanier secondary school: A Snyder design The School Board appointed the firm of Snyder Architects Inc. to participate on the committees related to school consolidation. The job involves developing a variety of options, preparing the design details and developing the project management process needed to address the Burlington PAR outcomes for M.M. Robinson and Nelson High Schools that will expand and Lester B,Pearson and Bateman that will close.
 Terri Blackwell, the Superintendent of Education who is handling the implementation of the decision to merge the Bateman students into both Nelson and M.M. Robinson said: “It’s important that Snyder is involved early in the process, prior to design. They will be participating in the LBP/MMR integration committee and working with Board staff to design a variety of options for both M.M. Robinson and Nelson. As with our other facilities projects the process will also include opportunities for stakeholder feedback. It is important that Snyder is engaged in the conversations regarding the program and student needs in the creation of the two composite schools.
The project has specified timelines that schedule the work over several years. The Steering Committee will undertake a process in consultation with Snyder Architects Inc. to determine the final plans for each school. The timeline will align with the initiation of school integration committees and discussion around program changes, which will necessitate modifications to existing school buildings.
 Bateman high school – due to close in 2020. Those school integration committee will include representation from the Parent Council’s from Pearson, Bateman, M.M. Robinson and Nelson.
In their media release the Board said: “The planning for and design of these facilities requires thoughtful consideration to meet the needs of our students, and therefore the input of an architect at this initial stage is integral,” said Gerry Cullen, Superintendent of Facilities Service for the Board.
Financing for the entire project has been requested from the Ministry in the 2017 Capital Priorities. The Board has the ability to stop the work at various stages of the project, if required.
Snyder Architects Inc. has successfully completed many projects for the Board, including new school construction (e.g., Martin Street PS, Oodenawi PS, Tiger Jeet Singh PS, P.L. Robertson PS), as well as additions/renovations of our schools; the Alton Village PS, Georgetown District HS.
“As a Board, we are committed to working with the students, staff and the community to support the facilities’ enhancements resulting from the Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review,” adds Cullen.
The parent groups are in the process of selecting their representatives. Pearson has chosen:
 Steve Armstrong and Cheryl deLught – Parents on the School Council. Chair – Steve Armstrong *
Co-Chair – Cheryl DeLugt *
Secretary – Amy DeZouza *
Alternate Secretary – Cassandra Wandham (a local student parent)
Treasurer – Siobhan Duguay
Community Representatives – Tony Brecknock * & George Ward *
Parent Involvement Committee Representative – Cheryl DeLugt *
Asterisks represent Save LB Pearson Committee members
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Did you know that there are school libraries in Burlington that can only afford to purchase one new book per year for every three children, leaving students without adequate access to resources for literacy development and overall growth.
The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation has announced their 2017 Indigo Adopt a School program which has named three Burlington schools that will be part of the program
Holy Rosary adopted by Indigo Spirit Mapleview Centre
Kings Road adopted by Chapters Burlington
Paul A. Fisher adopted by Indigo Burlington
The program runs from September 16 – October 8, 2017
There are several parts to the program.
 There are schools that do not have funds to purchase books for their students. The Adopt a school program
During the campaign, Indigo, its employees and their communities rally together to raise in-store donations and online donations with each dollar raised going towards transforming their adopted school’s library. The goal of Adopt a School is to add one book for every child to school libraries in high-needs communities and to raise awareness for the literacy challenges facing high- needs elementary schools.
All participating Indigo, Chapters, and Coles stores have “adopted” a local school to fundraise on its behalf during the three-week campaign period. To qualify for the program, all adopted schools must identify as “high-needs” elementary schools, having a library budget of less than $30 per student per year. During the campaign, Indigo employees together with their communities raise in-store donations, with every dollar contributed helping to transform their adopted school’s library.
In addition to in-store support, the Foundation provides a free online fundraising platform to all the schools that have been “adopted” by Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores, as well as over 350 other high-needs elementary schools across Canada. The online platform, adoptaschool.indigo.ca, allows supporters to find a participating school of their choice to support. Each participating school is also eligible to receive up to an additional $1,200 for books through the Foundation’s matching initiatives.
 Reading at a very early stage sets a foundation for the education needed in a society where information is vital. All schools participating in the Adopt a School program receive 100% of the funds raised in-store and online at adoptaschool.indigo.ca. At the end of the campaign, the Foundation will provide each school with their funds as an eGiftcard for the purchase of books. In addition, the schools will receive a 30% discount on books at Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores.
Book Bonus! – For every $20 donation online (adoptaschool.indigo.ca), the equivalent value of two books, made to a participating school, the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation will contribute a donation of $10, the equivalent of one extra book, up to $1,000.
Adopt a School Story Contest
Canadians can also get involved by sharing a short story on the online profile of a participating school, with an option to “heart” their favourite stories. In each province, the top five schools with the most “heart” stories will have a chance to win a top prize of $2,500 Indigo eGiftcard to purchase new books. The remaining four schools in each province will receive $500 Indigo eGiftcard for new library resources. The top prize will be selected by random draw.
Tell a Story, Give a Story! – Through adoptaschool.indigo.ca, supporters are able to submit a story in support of a participating school of their choice, with no donation required. For every story shared, the Foundation will donate $10, the equivalent of a book to support the students at that school, up to $200.
 Since its inception in 2004, the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation has committed over $25 million to support more than 3,000 Canadian high-needs elementary schools. The Foundation has impacted the lives of more than 900,000 students, replenishing school libraries in every Canadian province and territory.
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The man is iconic and the event is epic.
Perhaps just a little over the top – ya think?
 David Suzuki – to be in Burlington in November for three days, In their media release BurlingtonGreen added that they are “THRILLED” to announce they are partnering with the David Suzuki Foundation to present an incredible three component event on November 21st, 2017, featuring the iconic Dr. David Suzuki.
Halton youth from grades 7 to 12 will be invited to register to attend a free daytime Youth Eco-Summit, followed by a special early evening “VIP” event which will then lead into the main public event. Dr. Suzuki will be at all three events!
Tickets will be available through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre box office and online at www.burlingtonpac.ca starting September 27, 2017.
Burlington Green will be releasing more about these events early next week.
The Gazette will keep you posted.
 Paul Carvahlo (Burlington Mall Representative) with Dr. Jane Goodall and event sponsor, Joe Saunders of Burlington Hydro. Burlington Green has brought in world class speakers in the past. In 2012 they brought Jane Goodall to Burlington for a similar series of events.
Note the date – events like this are formative for students who are in the process of determining their values and the way they see the world.
David Suzuki will not disappoint.
 By Staff
September 22nd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This is truly amazing.
The Region has issued a Heat Warning for all of Halton.
As a result of extreme heat and humidity, Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for Halton Region starting Saturday, September 23. This warning is issued when forecast temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for two days, or when a humidex of 40 or higher is expected for two days.
Will the outdoor city swimming pools be open this weekend? Notice on the city web site.
 The Nelson swimming pool – looks cool – inviting too. One would like to think that someone at city hall with some authority would be aware of the predicted hot weather and have the public outdoor pools kept open.No word from the city on that.
Call the Mayor. Think he has a pool – invite yourself over.
Especially at risk
• older adults (over the age of 65), infants and young children, people who work and exercise in the heat, people without adequate housing and those without air conditioning
• people who have breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney problems or take heat-sensitive medications.
Prevention tips
• stay cool
• avoid strenuous outdoor activities
• seek shade from the sun
• spend time in air-conditioned places, such as shopping malls and community centres
• drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water
• visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk and never leave people or pets in your care unattended in a car
If you or someone in your care experiences rapid breathing, headache, confusion, weakness or fainting, please seek medical attention right away.
 Meanwhile there was snow in Jasper Alberta yesterday.
This is not weather, this is climate change – something we are going to have to get used to.
By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor of Burlington has been, in his own unique way, telling the citizens of the city that intensification is upon us. But that most neighbourhoods need not worry – the intensification will not result in a high rise tower in their part of town.
The Mayor has the unenviable task of having to allow growth that many, perhaps most people, don’t want but that he has to allow because the province has mandated growth.
The Mayor doesn’t make the decision, he is just one of seven votes but as Mayor he is he spokesperson for the city. He gets to be in all the photo ops and take the grief from citizens when they are unhappy.
 The creation of Hwy 407 created a new rural/urban boundary for the city. Everything north of the 407 is protected from development. A decision that brought tears to the eyes of a lot of developers. The only part of the city that isn’t going to experience growth will be the Escarpment, that part of the city north of the Dundas – Hwy 407 boundary line that is protected by provincial legislation.
The population of Ontario is growing and Halton has to take its share of that growth. Burlington has to take its share of the Regional growth that the province has called for.
 The Nautique, an Adi Development Group proposal for Lakeshore and Martha Street is now before the OMB – it raised hackles throughout the downtown core. City Council wasn’t that keen on this project but they have approved similar height and density increase request elsewhere in the downtown core. The Region uses the figure of 500,000 + as the current population. The longer term population projection for Halton is:
2031 820,000
2036 910,000
2041 1,000,000
Close to double the size within 25 years.
The big debates are about the high rise stuff that is being proposed for the downtown core where the opposition is strongest, driven to a large degree by the ward Councillor Marianne Meed Ward who would like to see nothing taller than eight storey structures on Brant. She appears to be prepared to go as high as 12 but not too often if we are reading her correctly.
Where the growth shows up outside the downtown core is in small projects that in their own way change the look and feel of a community.
 A proposal now before the Planning department and going to a council Standing Committee next week is for a three storey complex of 11 units on New Street between Cumberland and Pine Grove.
 Maranatha Gardens under construction – will change the look of New street – this is probably just the beginning of that change. The picture shows he back of the building overlooking a park This latest development is right next to the six storey Maranatha Gardens project that is under construction.
 Site plan for a proposed 11 unit townhouse complex on New Street. The people on the other side of the street have expressed concerns over what all this additional population and traffic are going to do to the neighbourhood.
 Homes on the other side of New Street. The look of their world ha changed. This is where the intensification rubber hits the road.
New Street just might have a lot more bicycle traffic if the Road Diet the city is thinking about putting in place ever makes it past a majority of the seven hands that will have to go up when a vote on that idea takes place.
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