 By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It wasn’t hard to see this one coming.
At a Sustainable Committee tour of Spencer Smith Park a few weeks ago, quiet mention was made of some problems with the giant willow trees next to the Gazebo close to the foot of Brant Street.
Now comes the announcement that the trees are beyond saving and are going to be cut down.
 They lasted 70 years. Willows to be cut down.
The city announce earlier today that: “Two weeping willow trees near the gazebo in Spencer Smith Park will be removed starting June 7 to ensure public safety in the waterfront park.
The city’s arborists found significant rotting and areas of decay in the trees during a recent investigation. The city will bring tree removal equipment into the park on June 7 to remove most of the two trees. The trees’ eight-foot-high (2.4-metre-high) stumps will be removed after the Sound of Music Festival, which runs from June 16 to 19.
“The trees are beyond saving, unfortunately,” said Mary Battaglia, director of Roads and Parks Maintenance. “The trees need to be removed to ensure branches and limbs do not come down and cause injury.”
The two trees were from clippings transplanted in the 1950s by Spencer Smith, a local entrepreneur and long-time member of the Burlington Horticultural Society.
“The city recognizes the significance of the trees to the community, and to the park’s heritage,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “I think we can be grateful that the trees have served us so well over the years.”
 Spencer Smith, the man our lakeside park is named after, planted the willow trees 70 years ago. The city will keep 70 clippings of the willow trees for rooting and replanting, one for each year of the trees’ lives. The healthy portions at the base of the trees will be kept for future art or woodworking opportunities.
“I am very sad that we are losing these willow trees that have framed so many memories in Spencer Smith Park. I am pleased we will take cuttings and are exploring ways to repurpose the wood to preserve the legacy of these trees planted from cuttings by Spencer Smith,” said Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward. “I invite everyone to join me for a goodbye ceremony to share our collective memories.”
 Councillor Meed Ward will host a ceremony on Monday, June 6 at 7 p.m. near the gazebo in the east side of the park. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Who was Spencer Smith?
 By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
How does a large national organization with a brand that is instantly recognized and at one point had a currency that was unique to them work with community organization to help out?
 Everyone knows about Canadian Tire and when groups in the community are looking for help and support they frequently ask Canadian Tire.
The requests can get out of hand – how do you say no?
The daughter of the founder of the Canadian Tire operation, Martha Billies came up with an idea that would raise funds to help pay for sports equipment for children whose parents could not afford the price.
She called it Jumpstart which is now in its 11th year.
Brad Gordon, general manager at the Burlington Canadian Tire, explained how it works and some of the funny quirks that crop up when people work at helping each other.
 While the focus was supposed to be on the fish in the pond – both boys kept looking at all those bicycles The store set up small play stations throughout the sprawling location and let people just bump into them. There was a free pop corn station, a fishing station and a BBQ stand.
The BBQ station was manned by volunteers from the Ontario correctional service. “These guys have been coming to this event for the past three years – this is the way they volunteer and give back to their community” said Glenn Butt, owner of the franchise who explained that every penny raised goes into the Jumspart fund. All the administrative costs are paid for by the corporation.
The distribution of the funds is done by local chapters that include organizations like the YM and YWCA, the Children’s Aid and Halton Woman’s Place. There are five intake organizations that determine where the needs are.
Harry Bell chairs the chapter that takes care of needs in the Halton – Hamilton communities.
Brad Gibson, store manager in Burlington, moves about the store on a Saturday afternoon seeing much more than most people see with his very practiced eye.
 They look pretty tough – they should be – they are officers from the Ontario Correctional Service but last Saturday they were a couple of pussy cats serving burgers to people who were donating to the Jumpstart fund. He explained that within the Canadian Tire organization there is a high level of competition between the different stores to see who can raise the most at the store level. The Burlington store placed second last year in its market area.
Commercial organizations like Canadian Tire are a focal point for the community – much of what people need to comfortably live their lives is found on their shelves. The company uses their brand to help groups raise funds and contributes in its own way to helping people who need help.
 The growth of the Jumpstart fund has been impressive – every dollar collected in the Burlington community is spent in the Burlington community – and the administrative costs are picked up by the Canadian Tire corporation. During the annual drive for Christmas gifts – The Toys for Tots – frequently referred to as “Cram a cruiser” we had people coming into the store buying a dozen hockey sticks and putting them in the police cruiser and walking back to their car – they didn’t stop to talk – they just gave. A number of people walk to that police cruiser with their arms filled with stuffed toys.”
“This is a very generous community”.
All the results for the 2016 Jumpstart haven’t been tallied yet – the traffic looked pretty good on Saturday and those correctional officers said they were doing a brisk business.
 By Staff
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
GIS mapping at Burlington city hall will be unavailable on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The service and the system will be down for maintenance.
 By Pat Shields
May 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits (1-5) found themselves in tight this past weekend, with consecutive losses in heart breaking, extra inning fashion.
On May 27 Burlington relinquished a 6-4 lead in the 9th inning, and ultimately fell 7-6 to the Brantford Red Sox (4-2) in a 4 hour and 19 minute game. Just over 12 hours later, the Bandits dropped another close matchup to the defending champion Barrie Baycats (4-2) by a score of 4-3.
Despite the two tough losses against strong opponents, Bandits field manager Jeff Lounsbury felt confident with his team’s performance and execution in both games.
 “We played well – we pitched well and we hit well against two tough teams. Unfortunately, I think our next curve is to learn how to win those games,” Lounsbury said.
It took the Red Sox 12 innings to beat the Bandits on Friday night, with Brantford second baseman Benjamin Bostick singling in the winning run. After holding a 6-4 lead in the ninth inning, Brantford scored two runs on a triple by third baseman Ricky Murray to extend the game.
Ryan Beckett (0-1) got the start for the Bandits, going five innings and surrendering four earned runs on six hits. Beckett also struck out two and walked two batters before giving way to the bullpen. Reliever Alex Nolan (0-1) ultimately took the loss, following three Red Sox hits in the 12th inning.
Red Sox pitcher Tanner Guindon (2-0) notched his second victory against the Bandits this season, after pitching 2.2 innings and allowing just one hit. Although Burlington struck out a season-high 18 times on Friday, they also registered 13 hits.
Bandits’ outfielder Justin Gideon led the way, going 5/6 with two runs scored and one RBI. Following Saturday’s game Lounsbury spoke highly of Gideon’s play as of late, specifically his approach at the plate.
“He’s starting to make the adjustment that he needed to make. He made a correction and it looks like it’s showing already,” Lounsbury said.
In their Saturday afternoon matchup with the Barrie Baycats, the Bandits got an early start, scoring two runs in the 1st inning on a triple by left fielder John Whaley.
Burlington once again held a two run lead, until a 3-run homerun by Barrie third baseman Jordan Castaldo put the Baycats ahead 3-2 in the 6th inning. The Bandits rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th on an infield single by pinch hitter Brad McQuinn.
 If attitude wins games and coaxing a better performance from the coach really works – the Bandits should break through any day now. We’re waiting. They are currently one place away from the bottom of the league. However, Barrie took a 4-3 lead the very next inning on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Conner Morro and didn’t look back.
Bandits reliever Brandon Hillier (0-1) took the loss despite allowing just one hit in his 2.1 innings of work. Starting pitcher Jack Dennis (0-1) looked strong in his 7.2 inning outing for the Bandits, with Castaldo’s long-ball being his only blemish on the day.
“Our starting pitching has been great and our bullpen has done a great job,” Lounsbury said. “You could tell we were a little tired today energy-wise, but that’s no excuse.”
After Baycats starting pitcher Matthew St. Kitts (1-0) left the game with an injury in the 6th inning, three Baycats’ relievers combined to limit the Bandits to just four hits, with Chris Nagorski (1-0) getting the win. The Bandits once again struggled with their plate discipline, striking out 16 times on the day.
“We’re continuing to work on it,” Lounsbury said of his team’s strikeout frequency. “We’re starting to barrel up the ball a little bit better.”
Burlington will look to break back into the win column on Thursday, June 2 when they welcome the Guelph Royals (2-5) to town.
First pitch will be at 7:30pm at Nelson Park.
The Bandits are putting on a Youth Baseball Day Saturday June 4th starting at 9:00 am
Pancake breakfast
Skills and drills with Bandits players
UPCOMING GAMES
Tuesday, May 31
Guelph at Hamilton; 7:30 pm
Barrie at London; 7:45 pm
Wednesday, June 1
Kitchener at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Barrie at Brantford; 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 2
London at Kitchener; 7:30 pm
Guelph at Burlington; 7:30 pm
 By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
When the history of Burlington and its relationship with the Freeman station is written one hopes it tells of the indefatigable efforts made by a group of about 10 – maybe twelve men.
They fought the council of the city they live in to preserve the Freeman Station. They struggle with the bureaucracy to overcome some of the hurdles they have to get over – and yet – week by week one can see the Freeman station coming together – at some point it will be completed and officially opened and this group will take great pleasure in knowing that they made it happen.
 A friend of the Freeman station lowers himself from the scaffolding at the front of the building. There is never enough money. “We need about $200,000 to complete the work – some of that can be in kind – but cash is the biggest need” said Brian Aasgaard who can be found on the site whenever the doors are open.
Brian and John Mellow are two very very resourceful people; they come across artifacts and items that are part of the rail history and put it into storage.
 A major coup for the Friends of Freeman station was the acquisition of this 1959 Chrysler that serves as both a rail car and a car that can drive along streets. A recent coup was the receipt of a rail car – a vehicle that has two sets of wheels: one put on the car when it is driving along the rail line and the other when it is driving along a road.
Painted a yellow that you won’t miss with some orange trim and the letters TH&B painted on the side with the number 1 below on the door of the
1951 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe four door sedan with a set of specially-constructed steel wheels for rail travel, a six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine and an automatic transmission. It was in service from June 24, 1957 to June 24, 1977, after which it was sold to the Ontario Rail Foundation. Then eventually passed into the hands of Rod Wilson, who donated it to FOFS.
The vehicle will eventually sit on a length of railway track that will run the length of the platform of the station.
The car is said to have been used to drive the president of the railway to company meetings in Buffalo.
The FoF hope to put the car on display at the Car Free street festival on Appleby Line in June – they need a flat bed to get it to that event.
 Brian Aasgaard displays the very first Canada 150 recognition banner given to anyone in Burlington Each week the Friends of Freeman Station advance their cause. They are the very first organization in Burlington to be recognized as part of the Canada 150 event – a federal government program that is getting the country ready for its sesquicentennial – the celebration of our 150th year as a country.
The station now has gas coming into the building. Water and sewage are in the planning stage – working out where the water hook up is going to take place is still being worked out.
A pressing need right now is an experienced stone mason. There is some concrete block that has to be put in place and then some xxx stones place atop the concrete blocks.
These are part of the station platform that will run the 60 foot plus length of the platform that will reach out close to 12 feet from the station.
 How many hands – eight of them – to cut special sheets o protective plastic. A length or rail line will stretch out in front of the building. There are dreamers at the FoF who hope someday they might manage to find, restore and install a steam locomotive in front of the station. Dreams are part of the Friends of Freeman DNA – don’t sell these guys short.
If you’re as retired stone mason, an active stone mason or know someone who is a stone mason – get in touch with Brian – he will drive over and pick you up.
Aasgaard mentioned that the floor will have original maple wood put in place. They are still looking for a sponsor for the Station waiting room – $15,000 will get a corporate name on the space, which when completed is going to be something to look at. The ceiling is all wood which when painted is going to be one of those things everyone will ooh and awe about.
 The station Waiting Room is going to be quite stunning when it is complete. The oval window on the west side has been dedicated to the late Jane Irwin; one of the dozen or so people who fought against their city council to save the structure. Time for the city to provide some serious funding. The FoF see a significant part of the revenue stream coming from rental of the space. Few appreciate just how impressive this space is going to be. For those who once travelled by rail regularly you will immediately recognize the bench that is to sit directly beneath the oval window that has been dedicated to the late Jane Irwin – one of the handful of people who would not let city council abandon the Freeman station.
The Mayor is said to be a solid champion of the place – perhaps he can rent it as his 2018 re-election campaign headquarters?
By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
In a daily newspaper report Halton District school board chair Kelly Amos said she was only made aware of the report on Friday (May 27th) that was going to debate a significant shifts in the way French Immersion is managed within Halton schools.
Stewart Miller, Director of Education has been faced with a task that apparently cannot be resolved – it has to do with the number of students wanting to be enrolled in the French immersion program and the number of qualified French teachers that are very difficult to find.
 Stewart Miller – Director of Education Halton District School Board Add to those two problems the difficult this has with class sizes in some schools. Miller said several months ago that he found himself faced with situations where there were less than ten students in a regular class (a non-French immersion class) which from a teacher student ratio just wasn’t something he could afford to do.
Staff worked up a report and set out a series of motions that were published in the agenda for the boards June 1st meeting.
The Board created a Program Viability Committee (PVC) that has been in existence for just over a year to review both English and French program viability in HDSB elementary schools. Considerable stakeholder consultation was done and feedback was brought to the PVC for review, analysis and recommendations.
After careful analysis of the feedback provided, the PVC identified a number of options. The one they are recommending will provide an additional year for parents to understand their child as a learner prior to making a decision to enter French Immersion, it provides a relatively early entry point as preferred by stakeholders and provides for a greater intensity in the first two years of the program which supports French language acquisition. The recommended model also requires few if any additional boundary reviews, maintains our current dual and single track school configurations and as such will provide for a simpler and less disruptive implementation plan and transition to the new model.
The Gazette has not had an opportunity to study the report that trustees received on Friday. We are providing the outline that was published without any comment or analysis.
Be it resolved that effective in the 2014-15 school year, the Halton District School Board introduce 40 minutes/week of Primary Core French beginning in Grade 1 in 24 Halton District School Board schools, with a commitment for a full roll-out by 2017-18, with an annual review of the roll-out to be brought back to trustees each year, and;
(a) THAT schools selected for the initial phase of this program represent a variety of school organizations
(K-8, K-6, Dual Track, Single Track English, large and small enrolments) across the four geographic areas within the Halton District School Board, (Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Burlington).
(b) THAT students in these schools will receive the following minutes of Core French instruction between Grades 1- 8:
40 minutes / week Grades 1-3
120 minutes / week Grades 4
160 minutes/ week Grade 5
200 minutes / week Grades 6-7-8 (Appendix 5)
(c) THAT no later than June 2018, the Halton District School Board will assess the impact of this Primary Core French experience in relation to student engagement, student attitude, English proficiency and the impact on Grade 1 French Immersion uptake associated with these schools.
 (d) THAT under the leadership of the System Principal for French Second Language, School Programs and Human Resources, the Halton District School Board will develop a long-term recruitment and staff development plan to ensure the Halton District School Board hires and retains the highest quality French teachers available and that this plan is shared with the Board of Trustees.
(e) THAT the Halton District School Board continues to provide staff development programs that include teaching strategies, modifications and accommodations to address students with diverse learning needs and students who arrive in Halton without prior experiences in either French Immersion and Core French.
(f) THAT the Halton District School Board develop and implement a 5-year plan whereby all Halton District School Board elementary schools with Intermediate Divisions have one classroom dedicated for the teaching of Grade 7-8 Core French whereas if it will not require additional portables.
Be it resolved that effective in the 2014-2015 school year, wherein a triple grade configuration has been possible (due to 23 or fewer students enrolled in three consecutive grades), the School Superintendent will assess the impact on the learning environment and opportunities for students and will consider and recommend for Board approval one of the following strategies;
staff as a Grade 1-2 blended class;
staff as a Grade 1-2-3 blended class;
redirect the Grade 1 students to a neighbouring school for their program and;
Wherein a triple grade configuration has been possible (due to 23 or fewer students enrolled in three consecutive grades for two consecutive years) the School Superintendent will consider and may recommend for Board approval a boundary review.
Be it resolved that effective in the 2014-2015 school year the Halton District School Board:
a) establish and communicate a consistent Grade 1 French Immersion February registration deadline for current Halton District School Board families, with a review of the effects of this procedure be undertaken by September 2014.
b) allow students who have not been in Senior Kindergarten within the Halton District School Board, register in Grade 1 French Immersion up to the first week of school.
c) communicate and implement the assessment and admission procedure for students with French proficiency arriving in Halton after the registration deadline.
d) All elementary schools that offer Grade 1 programming must host a Grade 1 Information Evening that includes information about English program, French Immersion program and Special Education placements. If the home school does not offer French Immersion, the school their students would be directed to for French Immersion cannot host their Grade 1 Information Evening at the same time. The Special Education presentation is to be scripted by the Board’s Special Education department, to include a description of all elementary Special Education placements.
Be it resolved that the Halton District School Board present the following options for the delivery of French Immersion to the public in the Fall of 2015 for the purpose of receiving feedback, considerations and comments. Feedback will be brought to the Board for consideration in the delivery of French Immersion programming:
1. Option 1: Grade 1 (early) French immersion remains a 50% French 50% English delivery model, but entry to FI would be capped. The method of capping would be determined at a later date.
2. Option 2: Grade 1 (early) French Immersion remains at 50% French and 50% English, however all FI programs would be delivered in single track FI schools. French Immersion would be phased out of dual track schools and no new dual track schools would be considered. The location of the single track schools would be determined at a later date.
3. Option 3: French Immersion would commence at a later entry point (mid entry); Grade 4. This would result in the delivery model of FI moving from a 50% model to at least a 80% French Immersion model. In addition the delivery of FI would occur in dual track schools only.
4. Option 4: French Immersion would commence at a later entry point (mid entry); Grade 4. This would result in the delivery model of FI moving from a 50% model to at least an 80% French Immersion model. In addition the delivery of FI would occur in single track FI schools only.
The Halton district school board has approximately 63,000 students in 86 elementary and 18 secondary schools. This enrolment projection results in an overall increase of 1.5% as compared to the 2015/2016 school year.
 Board chair Kelly Amos expressed some disappointment at the short amount of time trustees have been given to review the recommendations and discuss concerns with their constituents. The trustees had less than five days to review a complex document. What the board appears to be suggesting is that the roll out of French Immersion classes be cut back to create some time for parents to think about just what it is they want to do and then allow the board the time it needs to make it all happen.
It is messy – but there is some progress.
Stewart and the trustees that direct him have their hands full. It may not be that quiet a summer on the education front.
The Board will vote on this recommendation on June 15th. The board expects there to be a number of delegations – there will be a special delegation night on June 13.
 By Staff
May 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Maybe they took a taxi home or perhaps the police took them to the local station and booked them for their offences. Whichever, two very expensive cars are sitting in the police pound where they will remain for the next seven days.
 A Lamborghini Huracan valued by police at approximately $230,000.00 was impounded for seven days after being clocked at 135 kmh in a 60 kmh zone On May 29th 2016 at approximately 4:00 pm, a Lamborghini Huracan valued at approximately $230,000.00 and a McLaren Spider valued at approximately $260,000.00 were stopped by Police at Guelph Line and Colling Road in Burlington after HRPS #3 District Response Unit measured their speed at 135 km/hr in a posted 60 km/hr zone.
 A McLaren Spider, stunt driving with the Lamborghini was estimated to cost $230,000 it also sits in the police pound for seven days. The exotic cars were impounded for seven days and the drivers’ charged with stunt driving.
The police media report did not release any names. They did say: “If you observe a vehicle being operated in a manner which places you or anyone else in danger, please call 911 for an immediate police response.”
 Police loading $230,000 worth of car onto a flatbed truck to be taken to the police pound and held for seven days. Owner charged with stunt driving. Someone obviously made such a call.
By Staff
May 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
In Burlington, the Bandits forced extra innings with a ninth inning run before the Barrie Baycats scored in the 10th inning to take a 4-3 victory on Connor Morro’s sacrifice fly.
The Baycats are now win 4-2 and in a four-way tie for second place while the Bandits sit seventh at 1-5.
 Morro led the Baycats with four hits while Jordan Castaldo hit a three run homer in the sixth inning to give Barrie a 3-2 lead. Tony Hyrnkiw also added two hits.
John Whaley’s two run triple in the first gave Burlington a 2-0 lead. Jim Martin add three hits for the Bandits.
Winning pitcher Chris Nagorski (1-0) pitched the final two six innings, giving up one run on three hits with two strikeouts. Starter Matt St. Kitts went five innings, allowing only three hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.
Burlington starter Jack Dennis went 7.2 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Reliever Brandon Hillier (0-1) took the loss, pitching 2.1 innings allowing only one hit, one walk and two strikeouts.
The Burlington Bandits are one above Hamilton in the InterCounty Baseball League.
 By Pepper Parr
May 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The annual Art Sale raises a lot of money. As an event is draws a piece of work from Robert Bateman – he has donated a piece of his art every year for the past 38 years.
What do they do with the funds raised?
Plenty!
In 2015..
 There was a time when art was taught in schools – not any more. If a child is to get an art education and the sense o accomplishment that goes with it – they head for the art gallery. 2,751 school’s children’s horizons were expanded
1,374 participants in course found fulfillment during 24,108 participant hours
1,383 participants delighted in art through outreach to 86 community groups
94,837 life enhancing excursions in the sanctuary of art and culture
Over 400 artists contribute to the culture of our community, while making their own dreams come true.
Important initiatives:
School outreach programs, affordable art classes and camps, art therapy for seniors with dementia and children/adults with developmental disorders
Over 20 regional, national and international exhibitions a year, as well as the world’s largest collection of Canadian contemporary ceramics.
 Former Member of Parliament Mike Wallace on a tour of the kilns at the art gallery. Add to that the Annual Soup bowl event.
And of course the Art Gallery is home to the Guilds that were the reason the place came into being. There are over 300 volunteers in a building that has had pieces added to it over time – it is quite easy to get a little lost.
 Johnathan Smith, curator of the permanent ceramics collection watches artist Peter Powning making clay impressions of artifacts. The Art Galley was the place Peter Powning took clay impressions of objects brought in by citizen that were later cast in bronze and placed on the spiral Stella that stands outside the Performing Arts Centre
The gallery is open seven days a week – and there is no admission.
The city provides just under $1 million as a grant to the Art Gallery each year.
By Staff
May 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’re Dutch – you already know about this event.
 Lead piper of the Dutch 48th Highlanders who will perform a concert in Civic Square May 31st at 11:30 am. If you like the sound of bagpipes and military style events – you will want to know about it.
Burlington’s Mundialization Committee will host a delegation from Burlington’s twin city, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands from May 29 to 31.
 Mayor Rick Goldring in Holland with Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends during the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland. The delegation includes the 48th Highlanders of Holland, Pipes and Drums, who will perform a special concert for Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends and Burlington Mayor Goldring during the farewell reception on Tuesday, May 31 at 11:30 a.m. in Civic Square.
By Staff
May 27th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a new gas station opening up in the west end of Aldershot – about as close to the border with Hamilton as you can be without actually being in Hamilton.
No dates on when the station will open – but we do have a question.
 What will the gas prices be? Hamilton prices which are usually three to four cents lower than they are in Burlington – something the
What the Gazette has never been able to understand is this – is there something about the Burlington market that calls for a three cent surcharge?
It is probably the same tanker truck that deliver the gas in Hamilton and Burlington.
We will let you know how they decide to price their gas.
Related story.
By Staff
May 27th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police have arrested a 24-year-old male in connection with child luring and child pornography offences.
David Kron, of Thornhill, has been charged with three counts of child luring, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography. The victims in this matter are 12-14 years of age.
 Snapchat is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive “self-destructing” photos and videos. Photos and videos taken with the app are called Snaps. Snapchat uses the device’s camera to capture Snaps and Wi-fi technology to send them. Investigators say they believe the man was communicating with children online via Snapchat, using the name: myles.erlick. Myles Erlick is a former Burlington resident and a well-known performer. Mr. Erlick has been contacted and is in no way affiliated to this account.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Todd Martin of the Halton Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE). He can be reached at (905)825-4747 extension 8983.
Snapchat is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive “self-destructing” photos and videos. Photos and videos taken with the app are called Snaps. Snapchat uses the device’s camera to capture Snaps and Wi-fi technology to send them.
 By Ray Rivers
May 27th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
 A significant document that few have actually read. CBC and National Post political contributor Rex Murphy rants that Ontario Premier Wynne’s climate change strategy is her own version of LEAP. He is referring to the LEAP Manifesto shepherded by author and political activist Naomi Klein and best-friend film maker Avis Lewis. The document came out last year during the federal election, and was presented at the NDP convention earlier this year. It is a strategic document, laying out long term goals for achieving a more harmonious, equitable, and environmentally friendly Canada in the age of global warming.
 Rex Murphy – National Post columnist – CBC on air personality. Rex Murphy apparently considers those goals the equivalent of leaping into hell, as he accounts that, in his view, it would be political and economic suicide to stop using fossil fuels. One wonders if he had actually read the LEAP document as he spreads his hyperbolic poison over a topic he clearly doesn’t understand, and for an issue which he is clearly out of touch with the majority of Canadians. And he is not alone, as Globe and Mail contributors Margaret Wente and Jeffrey Simpson also felt the need to jump into the fray.
But at least Simpson has focused his comment, and legitimately challenges the complexity of the emission trading aspect, rather than criticizing the end goal itself. He gets it – that we need to do more. But because something is complex doesn’t make it unmanageable or bad. It is not clear that Simpson understands what a cap and trade program is, preferring to characterize it as something conjured up by an overzealous environment minister, Glen Murray, and using that as an ad hominem to help discredit the provincial strategy.
Cap and trade, or more generally emissions trading, was first conceived at the University of Toronto by an economist in 1968. Professor John Dales was looking for a way to reduce pollution by making it more expensive for polluters without penalizing the rest of society – an equitable approach to curbing pollution based on economic incentives. And more complexity is required if one is to internalize the unintended effects of human activities into the costs of production, thus making polluting activities relatively more costly.
 Gas fired power station at sunset. In the case of greenhouse gas reduction, as in Ontario’s plan, it is an implicit carbon tax. But unlike the explicit carbon taxes B.C. and Quebec have in place, emissions trading is business-friendly, allowing more emission-efficient enterprises the added incentive of selling carbon credits to those who aren’t – incentivizing as well as taxing.
That explains why the business community largely favours emissions trading over a universal tax, like B.C.’s carbon tax. And that is why this approach can also inadvertently result in an overachievement of its goals, as when the US government phased-out lead from gasoline years ahead of schedule in the 1970’s, one of the first applications of emissions trading.
Since then, cap and trade applied to sulphur emissions from coal power plants led to another remarkable overachievement of US based acid rain emission reductions in the 1990’s. The European Union, Japan and Australia have all used emissions trading in tackling carbon emissions. The 1997 Kyoto protocol, which failed when the US pulled out in 2000, had emissions trading as an inherent tenet of its design.
Although the log jam on Capital Hill has hindered the US from implementing a truly national carbon cap and trade program, some states have moved ahead. The Western Climate Initiative, started in 2007, is one such carbon trading regime which also includes Quebec, B.C., Manitoba and Ontario. And Ontario’s program will ultimately be integrated with that of the other Canadian provinces as well as California and other US states – so we’d better get used to this level of complexity.
And Simpson is wrong about this being something Murray just conjured up. Ontario has been working on emissions trading for decades, and with the blessing of all three political governments over that time. The provincial government supported an early voluntary trading program in the 90’s and developed its own mandatory allowance trading program in 2002 to reduce emissions from coal and gas power plants.
 Exhaust emissions from automobiles are close to the worst polluters. In fact just about all of the provinces and the federal government have been looking at emissions trading systems similar, in some way to what Ontario is implementing as part of a climate change strategy. Alberta had implemented a more limited trading program well before the NDP swept into power last year, and they no doubt will be looking to Ontario’s experience as they enhance their efforts. Indeed Ontario and Alberta have just announced a new clean technology initiative for climate change, a corollary to this discussion.
Alberta, home to Canada’s fossil fuel industry is also home to those other fossils, the dinosaurs. One dominant theory is that these marvellous creatures were the victims of another period of climate change some 65 million years ago. But unlike our modern-day dinosaurs, who should understand that the climate change affecting us today is of our own doing, those dino’s likely couldn’t and didn’t do anything about it. We do know how to start fixing this – it’s right there Rex – in that Leap Manifesto.
Ray Rivers is an economist and author who writes weekly on federal and provincial issues, applying his 25 years of involvement with federal and provincial ministries. Rivers’ involvement in city matters led to his appointment as founding chair of Burlington’s Sustainable Development Committee. He was also a candidate in the 1995 provincial election
Background links:
Rex on Leap – Rex Murphy on Ontario – Ontario’s CC Strategy – LEAP –
Cap and Trade – Fort McMurray and Climate – Wente – Simpson on Cap and Trade –
Western Climate Initiative – Alberta and Ontario – Dinosaurs –
By Staff
May 27th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
The pests will be back soon – mosquitos.
That bite is a quite a bit bigger than most people realize.
As part of its commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of residents through public education and preventative programs, Halton Region has begun its annual larviciding program to reduce the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) in the community. This program is implemented in public property locations across Halton Region.
 This is how the West Nile virus gets transmitted. Larviciding is the process of applying pesticides to objects such as catch basins, where mosquito larvae have been found. Larvicide is applied when other attempts at reducing mosquito breeding sites haven’t worked to minimize the risk of West Nile virus and is usually applied either in catch basins or in large bodies of standing water on public property. This preventative program reduces the adult mosquito population, helping to stop mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus that are often found in standing water.
“West Nile virus continues to be a concern in communities across Canada which is why Halton Region remains committed to monitoring and implementing programs to prevent and protect residents against this disease,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr.
“By working together with the community, we will continue to reduce the risk of West Nile virus and keep our community safe and healthy.”
“Larviciding is just one part of our West Nile virus prevention program which includes public education, monitoring and surveillance, eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites and larviciding,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “By eliminating standing water sites and by covering up outside at dusk and dawn and applying DEET or lcaridin, we can reduce the occurrence of West Nile virus in our communities.”
Halton residents can help reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes by removing objects that may hold water, such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys and tires. If residents see standing water on public property, they can report it to Halton Region by emailing accesshalton@halton.ca or dialing 311.
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:
• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
A map showing the locations of standing water sites on public property where larvicide is applied is available at halton.ca/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, please visit halton.ca/wnv or dial 311.
 By Staff
May 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
What is it like to make a significant difference to the lives of more than 1000 children?
Tomorrow, Saturday, Canadian Tire holds their Jumpstart Day and the local Canadian Tire store in Burlington will be celebrating with a fun-filled day of activities for the community.
An impressive growth rate – raising funds for kids who can’t afford sports equipment. Jumpstart takes place at Canadian Tire this Saturday. Jumpstart Day is an annual fundraising celebration to help kids from financially disadvantaged families across Canada, participate in organized sport and physical activity. Jumpstart Day kicks off Jumpstart month in June, and last year, more than $1 million was raised in Canadian Tire stores from coast-to- coast across Jumpstart Day and Jumpstart month.
Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped more than 1 million kids across Canada, including 4,500 in Burlington alone. Last year, more than $100,000 was disbursed to help 1,050 kids in Burlington get involved in their favourite sports and physical activities.
The all-day event will feature fun games for kids and a BBQ from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
By Staff
May 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Kitchener Panthers are on a winning streak – they pounded out 17 hits en route to a 14-3 victory over the Hamilton Cardinals and an unblemished 6-0 record to sit atop the Intercounty Baseball League.
The Cardinals are now 0-6 and still seeking their first win.
The weekend schedule for the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is as follows:
 Good family time when the Burlington Bandits play to the hometown boosters. Price is certainly right. Friday, May 27
Guelph at Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at London 7:35 p.m.
Burlington at Brantford, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
Barrie at Burlington, 1:00 p.m.
Brantford at Guelph, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 29
Brantford at London, 1:05 p.m.
Hamilton at Toronto, 2:00 p.m.
Barrie at Kitchener, 2:00 p.m.
Burlington Bandit games take place at the Nelson stadium tucked in behind Nelson High school – plenty of parking – but leave your car well back from the field – foul balls tend to bounce off the hood or the roof of parked cars.
 By Pepper Parr
May 26th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The line of the song went – “There are 99 bottles of beer on the wall” – the thinkers over at the Art Gallery Burlington took that line and applied it to the low priced art they sell each year at their annual art sale.
 AGB president Robert Steven looks on anxiously as art is placed in the walls of the Lee Chin room. The 99 theme has been adapted to describe the 99 pieces of art that are being sold for $250 during the sale.
Installers were measuring and putting up the pieces in a corner of the Lee Chin Room which at this point is bare – and very empty with art stacked in the corners awaiting their time on the wall.
 The sale of low cost art (there is nothing down market – no Elvis on Velvet) begins on the 29th. At 3:00 pm on the 29th Permanent Collection Curator, Jonathan Smith, will be hosting a talk in the Fireside Lounge on How to Start a Collection.
Smith is a delight to listen to – he has one of those minds that soaks it all up and forgets little. Feel free to ask him anything. He won’t say he will get back to you – he will know.
Learn art collection tips from the master, then head back into the Lee-Chin Gallery to start buying artwork!
 The Bateman piece that will be sold at the 38th annual AGB art sale. The Bateman that will be on sale this year is one of his more traditional pieces – a really fine piece of work. Robert Bateman is reported to have donated an original piece of art every year of the 38th year event.
By Staff
May 26th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
On May 25th 2016 at approximately 2:32 PM, police responded to the Royal Bank at 2025 William O’Connell Blvd. in Burlington for a male trying to open a bank account with fraudulent identification.
Police located the male inside the bank and while the male was being escorted to a private office, the male turned and ran from the bank. He continued to flee on foot north on William O’Connell Blvd, west on Waterbridge Dr. where he then hopped a fence which led him to the rear of a townhouse complex located at 2039 Upper Middle Rd.
Numerous police responded to the area where a perimeter was established while a canine track was conducted. The male was located and arrested approximately 25 minutes later as he attempted to leave the area on a bicycle which he had just stolen.
The male, identified as Robert Jason LAYCOCK (28-yrs) of Toronto was held for bail charged with the following offences:
• Fraud under $5000
• Personation with intent
• Obstruct peace officer
• Theft under $5000
• Breach Probation (2 counts)
Out on probation and the suspect walks into a bank trying to open an account under a false name – it wasn’t a savings account was it?
Anyone with information is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316, Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Pepper Parr
May 26, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There are a number of tall construction cranes in the downtown core and at the edges of the city as well – the kind of thing that keep the bankers and the politicians happy.
 The Melodia – It just never managed to work – despite the Performing Arts Centre right across the street. Across the street from the back of city hall a restaurant that thought they had it figured out is meeting the hard blows of the wrecking ball – the Melodia is being taken down to make room for an event larger Saxony condominium development.
 A more modern look – sharper edges – the structure now fills the site at Locust and Elgin The developer had hoped to be able to use all of the site on the corner of Locust and Elgin but the owners of the restaurant didn’t like the look of the original offer that was made. There were a number of real estate people sniffing around that site trying to make something happen.
Saxony eventually decided they would just build around Melodia. The got the Wiggsville structure off the property and went along with the wishes of the community for a four storey building when the bylaw would have allowed five storeys.
Then the owners had a change of heart and decided they would sell – that gave the developers the opportunity to develop the site to its fullest potential.
 The first version of the Saxony – had more of a classical look.  Unable to strike a deal with the owners of Melodia the Landform group decided to build around it. Along the way they appear to have had a change of heart and moved from what was classical in design and moved to a more modern look – there will be a small theatre in the ground floor of the building – that will certain add to its cachet.
 By Pepper Parr
May 26th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
The parking meters have been in place for a couple of weeks – but these two walkers don’t appear to be convinced that they can be trusted.
Which leads to the question – does the city have any sense yet that the acceptance rate of the new meters is on track.
 Two citizens are not totally certain that this device is something they want to give their money to – is that the general sense in the city? We are not hearing anything negative – but we aren’t hearing anything positive either – and we hear nothing about anyone actually using the telepark feature that lets people use their cell phone to pay for parking – and also has the potential to let commercial establishments pay for your parking.
The sense we are getting is that few appear to want to pick up that option – which is unfortunate. That part of the software was probably the most expensive.
The city is spending $500,000 on these parking meters – the public will want more than a pretty machine on the street for that kind of money.
The city is rumoured to be putting together a marketing plan – customer information package – that hasn’t hit the streets yet.
|
|
