 Ward 3 is a mix of suburban and rural – everything south of Dundas is easy to serve – it is the rural parts of the ward that are both demanding and hard to serve.  By Pepper Parr
April 26th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Way back in 2010 two of the people who now sit on city council got themselves involved in the Shape Burlington committee, a group appointed by then mayor Cam Jackson to prepare a report on how well city hall was engaging the citizens of the city.
There was a lot of chatter at that time about city hall’s inability to hear what citizens were saying.
Two of the people on that committee, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster went on to throw their hats into the municipal election ring and got themselves elected – then they apparently forgot much of what the Shape Burlington report was all about.
At the same time Marianne Meed Ward was delegating consistently on the problems with the way the city was developing the waterfront area. She was instrumental in creating Save our Waterfront which sort of evolved into her campaign team and she too went on to get herself elected to Council.
While Meed Ward wasn’t part of the Shape Burlington group she was the one who remembered what the report was all about and created a constituency organization that spoke for the citizens in her ward and anyone else in the city who asked for help. And for the most part Meed Ward delivers.
All this is passed along as background on how people in this city get themselves elected to city council.
Burlington currently has two members of Council who have both been on the public payroll for more than 20 ears and are showing the wear and tear of public life. In their early years what they got in the way of remuneration wasn’t all that much to talk about.
 John Taylor, Ward 3, has seldom had anyone worth more than the votes they get from family and friends run against him – other than Cory Judson, Taylor has never had to fight off a real candidate.
There appears to be an individual in ward 3 laying the ground work for a run at that seat.
When you cover municipal politics long enough you can see the potential candidates from some distance. They become active in the community and begin to groom themselves for the opportunity to run.
We saw that with both Lancaster, Sharman and Meed Ward in 2010.
In the 2014 election there were not the same calibre of candidate presenting themselves. In ward 6 there were ten people who ran for office – most were very inappropriate as candidates; they were not known and had done next to nothing in their communities. Vanessa Warren and Jennifer Hlusko were the exceptions.
In ward 3 – in 2014 – there were two candidates running against John Taylor who had little hope of gaining public office.
It looks as if it is going to be very different in 2018 – there is a gentleman who serves on a major Advisory Committee who appears to be grooming himself for that seat.
John Taylor is reported to have said to some people that he will not run again but that he will join BurlingtonGreen and become part of that committee.
Many thought ward 3 stood little chance of getting a decent member of Council when Taylor hangs up his boxing gloves.
That does not appear to be the case.
Stay tuned.
Background:
Shape Burlington Report – a seminal document.
City response to the Shape Burlington report. Long and boring; did the people who wrote the report ever read it?
 By Staff
April 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday, April 16th, 2016 Halton Police, in partnership with the Halton Partners for Car Seat Safety (HPCSS), held a spot check car seat clinic in Burlington at Holy Rosary School.
A total of 113 child seats (booster seats and car seats) were inspected to see if five key safety and legal requirements were being met. Of the 74 car seats checked, 56 did not pass this ‘quick check’ inspection resulting in a 76% fail rate.
 The picture is for illustration purposes only – it is not meant to suggest that the seat is being recommended. The goal of these spot check clinics is education. Eighteen certified car seat technicians were on hand to educate and assist parents/caregivers in correcting errors once they were identified.
Research tells us that proper use of a child seat can reduce the likelihood of a child being killed or seriously injured in a crash by up to 75%. The most common errors seen at the clinic in Burlington were:
1. Child not in the proper seat for their age and/or stage
2. No tether strap attached for forward-facing car seats
3. Harness not positioned correctly over child’s shoulders and/or too loose and
4. Car seat not attached tightly to the vehicle using the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) or seat belt.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take the time to read and follow their child seat and vehicle instructions when installing their child seats. For further information on car seat safety dial 311 to speak with a public health nurse or visit www.haltonparents.ca or www.hpcss.ca.
 By Staff
April 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Aldershot Arena is closed due to unforeseen maintenance issues.
 Burlington layer and one time candidate for city council will no be using the Aldershot arena for at least a week – unforeseen circumstances have shut it down. The Arena is expected to re-open Tuesday May 3rd at 4:00pm.
The original announcement on April 22nd said the arena was expected to re-open Tuesday April 26th at 4pm.
 What was unexpected appears to have become major. The city doesn’t make any mention of what the problem is – we will look into that for you.
 By Staff
April 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 The sides of the new parking meters will be a bight green and have a zone number on them. This is a side view of a meter being readied for installation. The parking meters were manufactured in France. After years of delays that involved the issuing of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and then the withdrawing of the documents; after reviewing proposals and failing to make a decision Burlington is going to get parking meters that are significantly different.
The transportation department has marked out the street location for the new parking meters and will begin installing in the very near future.
Meters will be installed on streets and in the city owned parking lots.
The new meters are going to take a little getting used to – there are a lot of buttons to push.
In the days ahead the Gazette will tell you more about these devices and the difference they are going to make to how you park
There will not be a parking meter for every spot; each meter will cover about eight parking spots and accept cash, credit cards and you will be able to interact with the device from your cell phone.
Merchants will be able to pay for your parking – that will be nice.
For today – here are photographs of what we have and what we are getting.
 These parking meters are being replaced in some locations by more modern meters.  This is a look at the front of the parking meter. It will take some getting used to – the sides of the meters being installed in Burlington will be green.
  By Staff
April 23, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Councillor Dennison gets his way.
 Ontario Municipal Board decision:
With respect to the severance application, the Board allows the appeal and grants provisional consent subject to the fulfillment of some conditions.
By Pepper Parr
April 23, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This is different – an artist – an award winning artist, coming to town and doing performances at both the Art Gallery Burlington and the Performing Arts Centre and then offering to give lesson to aspiring flute players.
 Haley Marie is a woman from Winnipeg who is a flautist; a Governor General Award Winner, was awarded a full scholarship to McGill and Yale, performed with Yale orchestra has performed twice at Carnegie Hall and then when she graduated she had her own show, tours Europe, teaches in California.
 Hailey Marie – flautist. She then opened her own production company which presents classical music using film and live music. She found that audiences loved finding out the “dirt” on the composers she played so she made her performance both historical (film) and live music.
Her show “An Evening in Paris” covers a period from 1870 – 1910. Paris was not supposed to recover from the war. It is a comeback story, and everyone loves a comeback story.
It is a show that covers art, music, history.
The story of Haley Marie on itself is amazing. Paris is another story of itself.
Haley Marie will be performing at BPAC on May 12
She will b doing a private performance for AGB on the 13th and giving the Master flute class Saturday May 14, 10 – 12
There is more to tell about this event.
Click on the link to get a taste of what is coming to town.
By Staff
April 23rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather cooperated; the 11,000 people who signed up were still doing so at close to midnight on the Friday for the Saturday event during which those thousands helped Clean Up the city.
There were 181 locations where people were picking up trash recorded.
Instead of the usual gathering at city hall – people gathered at Central Park in front of the band shell where Turtle Jacks once again served burgers to the hungry environmentalists.
 The gathering after the Clean up took place in Central Park this year. smart move – plan is to hold the get together outdoors every year.  This is what a proud grandparent looks like -Councillor Paul Sharman, the only member o Councillor we say wants his granddaughter to look into the camera. The Mayor arrived later to say a few words.  Music was part of the event – look for additional performers next year. The decision to move outdoors was a welcome one. There was all kinds of room and while the crowds were not great the move was a wise one.
In time gathering outdoors on the Clean Up day will be the place to be.
 It was warm enough to be in short sleeves  BurlingtonGreen volunteer makes badges from art work created bu the kids. There were displays and activities in the library where kids could have their unique badges made and other could colour.
There was a room set up with a video and Vince Fiorito was on hand to show people how to make seed bombs.
There were fewer speeches this year – and that has to be a blessing.
Burlington has to have one of the most impressive turnouts when it comes to volunteering at this significant event – kudos to the BG board for making this happen each year.
By Staff
April 23, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington in collaboration with Craft Ontario, is organizing the first Canadian Craft Biennial to be held August 19 to October 29, 2017 in southern Ontario.
The deadline for submissions for this event is May 15th, 2016
The event which will take place in Toronto and Burlington on September 15 and 16, 2017
 The biennial will include a two-day conference (one day in Toronto and one day in Burlington), as well as a national exhibition, and an Ontario emerging craft maker exhibition.
The conference will be presented with multiple partners in both cities. The AGB is inviting proposals for the Biennial Conference sessions. The theme of this inaugural biennial is Can Craft? Craft Can!
The AGB is looking for a broad range of sessions engaging with contemporary craft issues and approaches. These could deal with academic, technical, historical and creative research, and community or political engagements. Within the context of Canada’s 150th anniversary, we seek to explore topics such as, but not limited to:
• Identity of Canadian craft
• Pattern as methodology
• Craft narratives
• Sustainability and sustainment
• Creative performativity
• Craft and learning
• Craft and social engagement
• The place of the amateur
• Making knowledge through tacit discourse
• Labour re-imagined
• Practice-lead research in craft
• Craft and the digital
• Indigenous perspectives on craft
• Craft curation and criticism
The hope is these sessions will also reflect the interdisciplinary concerns of our diversified Canadian craft community. Proposals for session formats include, but are not limited to panel, round-table, Pecha Kucha, Ignite and interactive sessions.
 As part of this inaugural Canadian craft biennial international ceramist, Anton Reijnders, has been invited to present recent work in a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Burlington, as well as to conduct a professional workshop and deliver the conference keynote address. Canadian makers and curators/writers will be given the opportunity to participate in a ten-day residency. The making residency will be centered at the Art Gallery of Burlington, while the writing residency will be under the direction of Studio Magazine.
 Proposals should include a 200 word description of your session theme, name(s) and contact information as well as a 3-page CV of the convener(s). If you already have in mind potential presenters for your session, please provide their names and professional affiliation.
Send your proposal to Denis Longchamps at denis@agb.life by May 15, 2016.
Selected session conveners will be notified by May 31, 2016. Proposals for papers for each session will then be circulated.
By Staff
April 23, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The annual exhibition that celebrates the Guilds at the Art Gallery of Burlington begins to day and will run through to May 22nd.
 The guilds which include the Fibre Arts Group, Burlington Fine Arts Association, Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild, Latow Photographers Guild, Burlington Potters’ Guild, Burlington Rug Hooking and Craft Guild, and the Burlington Guild of Sculptors and Woodcarvers will be showing their work.
By Staff
April 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Aldershot Arena
Aldershot Arena is closed due to unforseen maintenance issues.
The Arena is expected to re-open Tuesday April 26th at 4pm.
By Staff
April 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Did you get the Missus a shiny new pick-up truck and you think she should know something about using the thing or did you get yourself a fine trailer to haul that boat – and you feel it would be useful to know more about just what you’ve gotten yourself into.
The police have an offer for you.
 Dos she look as if she needs to know more about the operation of her truck? sh can find out. The Halton Regional Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit is hosting a light commercial Motor Vehicle symposium as part of Police Week on May 11, 2016. This session will focus on vehicles having a registered weight of less than 11000 kg and will be particularly useful to owners of pickup trucks and trailers.
The information session will be held at Halton Police Headquarters located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario. Registration will open at 6:30 PM with the information session starting at 7:00 PM running to 9:00 PM. Registration is limited to Halton residents only.
 The police want you to know as much as they can tell you about hauling a trailer with your truck. The main topics being discussed will be:
• Vehicle weights and dimensions
• Cargo Securement
• CVOR and Registration
• Annual safety
• Mechanical fitness
Spots are limited, anyone wishing to attend is requested to RSVP to haltoncmv@gmail.com with your contact information. A confirmation email will be sent to confirm your attendance.
This is a new initiative, the response from the Community is expected to be significant. Recognizing this demand, Halton Police will endeavour to hold additional seminars in the future to accommodate area residents.
 By Staff
April 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Conservation Halton plans for a prescribed burn at Glenorchy Conservation Area in Oakville this Sunday, April 24 at 1 p.m.
Ecological restoration staff at Conservation Halton has been busy planning throughout the winter, for a prescribed burn at Glenorchy Conservation Area. After several weeks of monitoring the weather, conditions are favourable for the prescribed burn to take place this Sunday, April 24, 2016. The burn is planned to commence around 1 p.m. and will be completed in two to three hours.
 While it is a fire – is is completely under control – they say. A prescribed burn is a deliberately set, carefully planned and controlled low severity fire which consumes ground level fine fuels such as dried leaves, needles, and small twigs, but does not harm larger trees. The practice is a widely used and recognized scientific method of controlling out-competing and non-fire tolerant invasive species, while allowing for growth and encouraged regeneration of the naturally occurring trees like oak and hickory, grasslands, and planted seedlings. After the burn, wildflower blooms will be abundant in the summer, as well as bird and pollinator populations who will use the new habitat.
The prescribed burn at Glenorchy Conservation Area will target the control of Common Buckthorn which is found in high numbers throughout the hedgerows. This invasive non-native species is a threat to the long term ecological restoration of the oak woodland and grassland areas of Glenorchy Conservation Area as it out-competes native species for space. This is the first burn for Glenorchy Conservation Area and will be 3.2 hectares (nearly eight acres) in size.
Residents living in the area surrounding Glenorchy Conservation Area have been notified with a prescribed burn notice in the mail. If weather conditions change, the media will be alerted of the burn’s cancellation.
 The person that oversees a prescribed burn is called The Burn Boss – it is his butt that is on the line. A prescribed burn is in accordance with the Operational Prescribed Burn Plan and Master Plan for Glenorchy Conservation Area with the goal to maintain the 50 hectares of restored grassland habitat.
The new conservation area, which is not yet officially open to the public, will be closed to public access during the day of the burn. Glenorchy Conservation Area is managed by Conservation Halton and is owned by the Province of Ontario (Infrastructure Ontario).
 The new conservation area is not yet officially open to the public – the boundaries of the prescribed burn are shown in red. What is Glenorchy Conservation Area?
Conservation Halton has partnered with the Government of Ontario to protect 263 hectares (650 acres) of environmentally sensitive land in North Oakville, and has named it Glenorchy Conservation Area. This area includes a large portion of government-owned lands known as the Oakville Land Assembly, bounded by Highway 407 to the north, Dundas Street West to the south, Bronte Road to the west, and Sixteen Mile Creek to the east. This conservation area forms an important part of the natural heritage system in Conservation Halton’s watershed.
The primary purpose of Glenorchy will be to preserve and enhance the natural heritage features of the lands such as creeks, valleys, and woodlots, and to restore some of the open area to unique habitats such as cultural meadows. Tree cover will also be increased with extensive tree planting.
What is a prescribed burn?
A prescribed burn is a controlled, deliberately set, and carefully managed low temperature fire that consumes dried leaves, small twigs and grass stems. It does not harm larger trees and is a recognized, scientific method of controlling invasive exotic shrubs and encouraging the establishment of certain natural and planted seedlings. Over the past several years at Iroquois Shoreline Woods, the Town of Oakville has conducted burns as part of the management of the oak woodland.
Why is Conservation Halton undertaking a prescribed burn in Glenorchy Conservation Area?
Native prairies and oak woodlands in our area have evolved to be fire-dependent as a result of wildfires and burning by indigenous peoples, hundreds of years ago. Natural disturbances, such as fire, rarely occur in Halton anymore, so agencies who work on restoration look to mimic these disturbances to maintain ecosystems. These burns benefit native plants and animals by removing exotic plants and grasses, by restoring wildlife habitat, and by returning essential nutrient balance to the soil.
Specific grassland communities such as prairie formerly occurred sporadically across much of southern Ontario. It is estimated that less than 3% of pre-settlement tallgrass prairie and savannah areas remain in Southern Ontario. The restoration of 50 hectares (124 acres) of grassland habitat at Glenorchy Conservation Area has reintroduced more native grassland back to the local area. Over the last four years, the open fields have been seeded with a mix of prairie grasses and wildflowers.
What about smoke coming from the burn?
Under the weather parameters required to proceed with the prescribed burn, the smoke is expected to dissipate and should not affect surrounding neighbourhoods. However, it is possible that some smoke from the prescribed burn may reach some of the residential areas near Glenorchy Conservation Area. Individuals with asthma or high sensitivity to poison ivy or smoke may wish to limit their exposure by keeping windows closed or leaving the immediate area around Glenorchy Conservation Area on the day of the burn.
Who carries out the burn?
Lands and Forests Consulting Ltd. has been retained to plan and carry out the prescribed burn with a qualified crew. Conservation Halton staff will assist with the burn, and the Oakville Fire Department will be on site in a standby capacity. The Burn Boss with Lands and Forests Consulting Ltd. has expertise in the field of prescribed burning.
How long will the burn take?
It is expected that the burn in Glenorchy Conservation Halton will take several hours to complete, but last only one day. After completion of the burn, staff will patrol the area looking for smouldering debris and ensuring it is properly extinguished.
 By Staff
April 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police moved in on a suspect after concluding a drug trafficking investigation that resulted in a 16-year-old male being arrested and the execution of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a Burlington residence.
The investigation was carried out by the Street Crime Unit (SCU) and concluded on April 20th when an arrest was made
Seized as a result of the Investigation:
• 75 grams of cocaine
• 44 grams of psilocybin
• 2 grams of marihuana
• 38 various pharmaceutical pills (Controlled Substances under Schedule III & IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
• Flick knife
• 2 BB guns
The drugs have an estimated street value of $ 8,160.00
The youth who cannot be identified was subsequently charged with the following offences:
• Trafficking a controlled substance (cocaine),
• Trafficking a controlled substance (psilocybin),
• Trafficking a controlled substance (marihuana),
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking,
• Possession of a controlled substance (psilocybin) for the purpose of trafficking,
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking,
• Possession of a controlled substance (Schedule IV) for the purpose of trafficking,
• Possession of a controlled substance (schedule III),
• Possession of a controlled substance (schedule IV)
• Assault with intent to resist arrest
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose,
• Possession of a prohibited weapon
• Breach of recognizance (X2)
• Fail to comply with probation (X2)
Investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal drug, gun or gang activity at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes)
The big question here is – how did a 16 year old – we don’t know if this person is male or female – find themselves selling drugs and carrying more than $8000 cash in their pockets. There are some parents who have some explaining to do.
 By Ray Rivers
April 22, 2016
BURLINGTON,ON
Ray Rivers has been writing an opinion column for the Gazette for more than three years. He is currently on a personal research assignment in the Ukraine doing background for his next novel. While out of the country Rivers has kept abreast of current events and could not miss the opportunity to comment on the trial of Mike Duffy.
 Duffy, left, listens as Justice Charles Vaillancourt reads from his ruling in an Ottawa courtroom on Thursday. Illustration by Greg Banning. Of course the judge is right about Harper and his henchmen (aka PMO). It’s what we expected from a Prime Minister who distinguished himself by displaying irreverence for the political institutions and the processes he had been elected to protect. In fact as the Duffy case has shown it is more than disrespect – it’s abuse of power and presumption of privilege. He used the Senate as a chess board and the senators as pawns, to paraphrase Justice Charles Vaillancourt.
 What was really a summer cottage, this Prince Edward Island house was declared to be Senator Duffy’s prime residence. Mike Duffy was never qualified to be the Senator from PEI. He knew that and more importantly so did Mr. Harper who appointed him. They should have understood the inappropriateness of claiming residential expenses, despite Senate bureaucrats telling Duffy it would be OK. It was Duffy who had to sign his name at the bottom of all those claims.
And even if the Senate is a political animal, headlining partisan fund-raising events at public expense is also inappropriate. Again Duffy must have known that, and so would the big guy who ordered him to attend. Parliamentarians are not allowed to use public money for partisan purposes. Have we forgotten the Sponsorship scandal so soon?
And this cheque he was given to pay back the money he’d falsely claimed. It may not have been a bribe, but it was intended to keep Duffy quiet and sweep this messy business out of public view, again paraphrasing the judge. And who is going to argue with the PM’s right-hand person? And especially when the cheque he is offering will keep you out of the poor house at the time?
 Former Prim Minister Stephen Harper in conversation with Mike Duffy This whole messy affair also says a lot about the Justice department and their shoddy performance. It almost appears that they too were under Mr. Harper’s thumb. And did this process really cost $30 million dollars? Minimal cross examination, never asked Duffy about the famous cheque, and never called the PM to the stand. As the judge’s decision implies, the crown had the wrong fellow in the dock. This time the mounties really didn’t get their man.
This whole affair is a sad comment on Canadian politics. We should all be embarrassed by what we’ve allowed to happen. But then the judge let Duffy get away without so much as a slap on the wrist. Maybe not guilty, but he was hardly innocent. It’s no wonder that the Globe and Mail barely mentioned this story in their on-line version last night. And yet a year ago it was hot in the news.
 The Senate. The Canadian Senate is an historical mistake that just keeps on giving. One can only hope that Mr. Trudeau’s efforts to transform the Senate into a non-partisan camp works. At least no Senator need be fund-raising for a political party, if he/she is truly non-partisan. And hopefully a non-partisan appointment advisory committee will do a better job at finding people to represent PEI, among people who actually live in PEI.
Mr. Duffy was a victim of his own ambition and a Prime Minister who used him for his own purposes. I’d like to think of the chamber of ‘sober second thought; as filled with intelligent and ethical Canadians whose first priority is to serve the public. I’d have a hard time saying that about Mike Duffy. I just hope his Senate days are over.
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 where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province. Ray has published one book and is working on a second.
Background links:
Trial Decision Blog – Trial Decision – Mike Duffy – Vindication of the Man
By Staff
April 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 20th 2016 at approximately 12:45 AM police responded to an alarm at a commercial premise located at 4145 North Service Road in Burlington.
Upon arrival, police confirmed that a break and enter into the building had occurred and that the suspects were believed to still be inside.
Police searched the interior of the building at which time it was determined that two separate businesses within the building were entered.
 Police dog Arrow was used to flush out the thieves who broke into a North Service Road office building. With the assistance of police canine unit handlers and Police Service Dogs (PSD) ARROW and STORM, two suspects were located hiding in a locked electrical room located inside a first floor washroom.
Police also located two crow bars and a large screwdriver, tools that were believed to be used to gain entry into the building and the separate businesses within. Suspects targeted cash boxes however all property was recovered at various locations inside the building.
Arrested and held for bail are:
Mohamed OZOR (21-yrs) of Laval Quebec
• Break and enter (X3)
• Possession of break-in instruments
• Obstruct police
• Fail to comply with probation (X2)
Omar ELGHANDOUR (21-yrs) of St. Laurent Quebec
• Break and enter (X3)
• Possession of break-in instruments
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vince Couce of 3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 825-4747 ext 2307 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
April 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The phrase “he got a haircut” has little to do with the the world of hair salons. It usually means there was a financial matter that didn’t work out the way you wanted it to work out.
I was at the point where I was in desperate need of a real haircut – I was beginning to look like something out of an orchestra that played classical music.
I trotted over to my usual “salon” and while I would have liked to have gotten the young lady that does my hair most of the time – the length was so bad I would have settled for anyone.
Walked in – and the place was empty – I’m in luck I thought – all the stylists are in the back yucking it up. No so. There wasn’t a stylist to be found – just a receptionist answering the phone.
Would you like to make an appointment she asked – “No. I replied I am here to get my hair cut.” “Well everyone has gone home – they left at one o’clock:, I was told.
Now there was a time when merchants closed on Wednesday afternoons but that as a long, long time ago – well before most of the woman who work in the salon I frequent were even born.
I needed my hair cut today. Hmmm.
I walked out the door and across the street to my favourite variety store where Omar continues to sell me lottery tickets that don’t pay off. He insults me by asking if I want to add Encore to what is a losing situation to begin with.
I complain to Omar that my favourite hair salon isn’t operating. You are in luck Omar tells me – there is a place a couple of doors over that will cut your hair for $10 if you’re not too fussy.
So off I go. I walk in – nice enough place and they are packed.
 Kristen – my coiffeuse. Rob the owner is sympathetic – he looks at my head of hair and clearly sympathizes and asks me what he can do for me.
“A whiskey would go down very well just about now”, I explain. “I can do that for you” and he disappears and returns with a generous portion of whiskey that he didn’t ruin with ice.
Meanwhile, the receptionist takes down the vital information – she doesn’t give me hers – and asks – “what else can we do for you.”
I explain what I like done with my silver locks and she looks at her list and tells me that Kristen can handle me and with that a leggy lass walks over and asks me to sit down so she can run her hands through my hair to get a sense of what she has to work with. I am liking this new place.
Good whisky and a coiffeuse of my own named Kristen.
She is chatty in a really nice way and constantly asks me if I am getting what I want. We carry on our conversation through the large mirror on the wall where the eye contact isn’t exactly complete but we are able to exchange information. Sort of like the way the kids these days chat with their friends on their cell phones – they never get to actually see each other.
With the job done Kristen holds up the mirror – I’m happy, she’s happy. She takes off the cape thingy she had draped over me and walks me to the reception desk and proceeds to book my next appointment. First telling me when she is available and writing everything out on a card.
This is service – the haircut is ok – need a few days to see how it looks.
Do I book another appointment or do I go back to the shop that wasn’t open on a Wednesday afternoon?
The Scotch did the trick – will they pour me another couple of ounces the next time I drop into Teo’s on Brant Street.
By Staff
April 21, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Police in Burlington report an increase in daytime residential break and enters throughout the city where culprits have gained entry by prying rear doors or forcing open front doors.
Once inside, culprit(s) are rummaging through the master bedrooms in search of valuable jewelry, tools and/or electronic items before exiting the home.
Homeowners are encouraged to ensure their doors and windows are securely locked when they are absent from their homes and to ensure that and installed security alarms are activated. It is also advisable to lock any gates that provide access to the rear of the home to prevent access.
Police are vigorously investigating these break-ins and encouraging citizens to immediately report any suspicious people and/or vehicles which they observe in their neighbourhood throughout the day.
Anyone with information that would assist investigators identify the person(s) responsible are asked to call the Detective Ellie Bale of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Residential Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
The Regional police have a crime mapping application that tells where crimes have taken place. Might be something you want to look at CLICK HERE to see the article.
By Pepper Parr
April 20th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is certainly an interesting program and one that will be p interest to a lot of people – but council meeting as a Standing Committee didn’t say a word about – it was consented to without as much as a word from a single member of council.
The program they didn’t talk about offers low income older adults who own and live in their homes in the City of Burlington a full property tax deferral with interest being paid by Halton Region.
It is a Regional program but every member of city council is also a Regional Councilor and get paid more than $50,000 a year to warm a seat at the Region – but the Gazette will tell you about the program.
There are currently two property tax programs to assist lower income seniors in Burlington.
Low Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate
A $525 rebate is offered to eligible seniors that meet the following criteria: 65 years of age or older, receive the guaranteed income supplement (GIS) and have owned and lived in their home in Burlington for at least one year.
 In 2015, there were 518 applications processed for the tax rebate program. Low-Income Senior & Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program
A legislated program offered for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities to defer the year over year property tax increase. There have been no applications for the legislated deferral program.
The provincial government also offers programs to assist low-income seniors including the Ontario Senior Homeowners Property Tax Grant, through income tax filing, and a property tax exemption for those individuals that make modifications to their home to accommodate seniors or persons with disabilities.
Older Adult Property Tax Deferral program (OAPTD).
The city has (and will in all probability) participate in the Region of Halton’s Older Adult Property Tax Deferral program (OAPTD).
The program offers low income older adults who own and live in their homes in the City of Burlington a full property tax deferral with interest being paid by Halton Region.
Criteria for the OAPTD Program include the following:
• All registered owner(s) of a property must apply and qualify
• Registered owner(s) of the property for at least 4 years
• Registered owner(s) must be 65 or older
• Combined income of all owners must be less than $44,800 for 2016. This will change each year as set out in the Region’s State of Housing Report (Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada is required to verify income)
• No outstanding property taxes for prior years Key highlights of the program include:
• A lien will be registered against the title of the property
• Property tax deferral is interest free to the eligible homeowner. Interest is paid by the Region to the participating municipality.
 • The program requires an annual renewal application, which is initiated in January of each year with a deadline of September 30
• When the owner of the property becomes ineligible, there is a one year grace period whereby taxes are deferred without interest
• Full amount of deferred taxes is owing either at the end of the grace period or on the sale of the property, whichever is earlier
• Property owners are not able to participate in either of the existing senior programs offered
The OAPTD program includes two fees payable to the city. The first fee is a $50 application review fee. Upon approval of the initial application an administration fee of $200 is added to the deferral amount to cover the legal cost of registering a lien on title.
If the tax deferral is of interest –give your member of council a call – they can or should steer you through the details.
 By Pepper Parr
April 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It made slipping downtown for lunch an experience – it was what the Downtown Business Association saw as oxygen for the core of the city – the Test Kitchen was the place to be – you needed a reservation much of the time
The prices were almost too good to be true – turned out it wasn’t true – the owner shut the two Test Kitchen locations down quite quickly and can’t, apprently, be found.
Those $10 lunches – beverage included may have been a mistake – it was worth $15 at least – and perhaps whoever occupies the space this season will come up with a better business model.
 They call them Pop Ups – a locale that just pops out of almost nowhere. It expands the capacity for the restaurant and it has a sense of being outside and yet private. The Test Kitchen was the place to be – then it disappeared. Financial problems? It was the idea that took hold – the place had a buzz to it. There were several counters where you got squeezed in with other people and you didn’t mind. The servers were superb – the presentation was pure New York, New York – and those prices. The portions were small – which was probably in the best interest of most of us.
Pop Up locations were a good idea and the city I going to ride that band wagon as far as it can – with rules and regulations of course – this is being run by city hall.
Council wants to:
Authorize the Director of Planning and Building to approve pop-up patios within the downtown based on the evaluation criteria; and amend the Licensing Agreement to include conditions related to securities, signage and removal protocol.
 Inside the Pop Up – held 21 tables. The Test Kitchen operated a seasonal “pop-up” patio on two on-street parking spaces in front of their business from May to October 2015. Then they disappeared.
The patio was full of patrons from Monday to Friday during the lunch hour period, it created a buzz in the downtown and was successful in animating the downtown, added more “feet on the street” and there were no safety incidents nor formal complaints reported to staff.
Staff, with input from the BDBA is of the opinion that there are approximately 17 restaurants in the downtown that are able to satisfy the requirements for a pop-up patio.
Despite the evident success, the BDBA survey of those 17 restaurant owners/operators in late Spring 2015 found no existing restaurant owners/operators interested in constructing a pop-up patio in the near future.
So much for the entrepreneurial spirit and perhaps the most telling point in trying to understand why downtown is so dull. The late Jane Irwin once described the city as “Borington”
Staff has identified three issues to be addressed for future pop-up patios:
1) Securities should be collected prior to the operation of the pop-up patio in case any City property is damaged during construction, operation or removal of the pop-up patio;
2) Signage limitations on the exterior of the pop-up patio (e.g. no product advertising); and
3) Requirement for pop-up patio to be removed on date set out in the By-law or else RPM to remove pop-up patio and invoice the restaurant owner/operator for the removal costs or draw on securities.
That securities problem suggests the city got stiffed by the owners of the Test Kitchen
Staff is only aware of two downtown businesses interested in a pop-up patio for the Summer of 2016.
 Interesting graphic – it does show the location for two restaurants interested in creating a Pop Up – what is also interesting is that green line around city hall. Dos the city not own the property in the lower left corner? Staff is proposing to create a formalized application process for pop-up patios and sidewalk patios beginning in 2017. This process would include a deadline for applications, an internal staff circulation, licensing agreements, application approvals and inspections once the sidewalk and pop-up patios have been built. Staff will bring a report to Council outlining this process by Q4 2016.
Future pop-up patios will be asked for a $1,500 security.
Pop-up Patio Evaluation Criteria
Location Criteria
Applications for a maximum of 10 pop-up patios in the downtown will be considered in the context of following criteria:
– Permitted only on street with existing on-street parking
– Permitted only on sites that have inadequate space to construct a conventional sidewalk patio while maintaining a minimum 2 m clear path
– Permitted only where the pop-up patio can be located directly in front of the business
– Must be located at least one parking space away from an intersection
– Proposals will be assessed in accordance with vehicle volumes, sightlines and visibility to the satisfaction of the Director of Transportation
– Proposals must not obstruct underground utility access, electrical transformer vaults, utility boxes, parking meters, loading zones, transit stops and other infrastructure
– Proposal must avoid conflicts with existing pedestrian crossings Design Standards
– Proposals must have a flush transition at the sidewalk and curb to permit easy access and avoid tripping hazards
– The sub-structure must accommodate the crown of the road and provide a level surface for the patio
– Proposals must have a slip-resistant surface
– Proposals must be designed for 100 pounds per square foot
– Patio, including entrances, must meet accessible design standards
– Gates must swing in to the patio space and not obstruct the sidewalk
– Fending to define the space and be capable of withstanding at least 200 feet of horizontal force
– Proposal must have vertical elements that make them visible to traffic, such as flexible posts, bollards or landscape planters
– No umbrellas or other treatments can extend into the sidewalk or travelled portion of the road
– Patios must be buffered using a wheel stop at a desired distance of 4 feet from the patio to ensure visibility to moving traffic and parking cars
– The patio must provide a 30 cm buffer between the fenced edge and the limit of the parking space
– Lighting and signage will be subject to review and will be designed and installed in such a way as to not create a visual or physical distraction to travelling public in the sidewalk or road.
The folks as Joel’s sounded as if they liked the idea – they said: “While we are in support of the concept and of our neighbour’s business operations and the draw that Test Kitchen has to downtown, the patio had its strengths and its downfalls. We monitored its traffic and listened to the feedback of downtown customers. Losing parking spots has to be weighed out with maximum productivity. There were many times that the patio sat empty.
“Our compromise would be that such patios could open for Sound of Music Festival weekend, with respect of positioning as to not block traffic to the traditional sidewalk sale activities that occur at this time. We would also advise that the patios close directly after RibFest and not be extended in to the month of October.”
 Admittedly there as no snow – but that really wasn’t a good enough excuse to do nothing to decorate a store front during the Christmas Season. This was the store front that forgot Christmas was here last December. The Gazette would like to see Joel’s do a lot more to animate Brant Street during the Christmas season. The past two years they did basically nothing.
The people at Structured Creations, a couple of doors south of the Test Kitchen said:
• The patio was well used and had no negative impacts to business
• The patio created a buzz in the area around their office; people were interested in looking into what they do; it led to approximately 100 people per day looking at the office
• They also used the patio often after finishing work with clients or contractors to go for a bite on the patio
• They had no issue with the patio taking up two parking spaces; clients and contractors came by frequently, but they would park up or down the street and walk; did not receive any complaints about parking and had no issue with the arrangement
• They support the pop-up patio in that location and additional ones on Brant Street
• They suggest future pop-up patios be designed the way the pilot pop-up patio was designed; the patio was tastefully done, with no banners or signage
• There should not be any signage or banners on pop-up patios
• For safety reasons, future pop-up patios should have a concrete abutment because the patio is right up against the road.
City council will give the final word at its May 9th meeting. This will be a go.
By Pepper Parr
April 20, 20016
BURLINGTON, ON
Bikes, bicycles – call them what you want – they are an issue.
Burlington has a very active cycling community. The city talks of a commitment to cycling but struggles a little bit when it comes to allocating the dollar and struggles quite a bit more when it comes to actually sharing the road.
During the lengthy discussion Tuesday evening on what was possible in terms of cycling lanes along New Street Mayor Goldring glanced at the clock and said he could now announce that Burlington was now the holder of a silver award from the Ontario Bicycling Summit that was meeting in Toronto. Burlington previously held a bronze level award.
That didn’t’ do much to help council agree on just what they wanted to do with bike lanes on New Street which is currently undergoing huge water and waste pipes upgrades that has the road torn open for significant stretches.
 New Street is being torn up for the installation of new waste and water pipes. The job is going to make the street a less desirable route through to September. The current phase, from Guelph Line to Martha is going as smoothly as these things can go. The Region must surely owe everyone along this stretch of road a car wash – dust galore.
The debate Tuesday was over what would be done with New Street between Guelph Line and Burloak.
We are going to have to wait until July before there is a clear answer – the issue got bounced back to the city manage and his team to come back with detailed recommendations and attach costs to them.
Council was in a bit of a giddy move most of Tuesday. Councillor Craven who Chairs the Development and Infrastructure Standing Committee has decided more attention needs to be paid to the Rules and Procedures bylaw and has begun to crack down on members of council who habitually flout the rules. The two worst offenders are the members of council who have been there the longest – Taylor of ward 3 and Dennison of ward 4.
Cycling for Dennison is a way of life, Councillor is also an avid cyclist – the Mayor has been known to ride a bike as well. Councillor Taylor hasn’t seen the seat of a bike in ten years. For Taylor it is a safety issue – and New Street is a major thoroughfare.
There are several types of cyclists – some use their bike as their man form of transportation – throughout the year they ride their bikes to and from work.
 While the city debates the use of bicycles on New Street the Region really disrupts traffic while new waste and water pipes are installed. Progress. Others will use their bikes for short trips – but the majority of people in Burlington tend to use their bikes on the weekends or in the evening when they are out with friends.
The enthusiast would like us to use our bikes more often – they want cycling to be a large share of the model split – a phrase many people don’t even understand. Some seem to feel that cycling is going to be a large part of solving our reliance on cars – expecting Burlington to become another Amsterdam where the majority use their bikes is to misread the people of the city.
The focus needs to be on better transit – imagine what could happen if city council spent as much time looking for transit based solutions to the way we move people around? But we aren’t there yet – nor is the laying down of new waste and water pipes on New Street.
The standing Committee recommendations on the cycling issue were almost as muddy as New Street – they will come back to a city council meeting May 9th – we will see then what they decide to do.
On Monday the dust was pretty thick – water trucks were brought in to keep the dust down – we got a nice layer of mud but no dust.
New Street construction schedule
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