Headlines « Burlington Gazette - Local News, Politics, Community

Burlington Fire Department releases video based on family’s close call with carbon monoxide.

News 100 red By Staff

July 8, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

A crack in a furnace released carbon monoxide into a home –

CO is a gas you can’t see, smell or taste so the only way to detect it inside the home is with an alarm.

The Burlington Fire Department has released a public safety video to create awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). Julia’s Story captures the emotional account of one family’s close call with CO after a crack in the home’s furnace led to a CO leak inside the home. The video addresses the signs and symptoms of CO exposure and how to prevent the threat of CO poisoning at home.

“Julia’s story is part of a storytelling campaign aimed at sharing the experiences of city residents during emergency situations,” said Fire Chief Tony Bavota. “We are grateful to Julia and her family for allowing us to tell their story, which underscores the importance of working carbon monoxide alarms.”

If you live in Burlington and have experienced a fire or life safety emergency, the fire department would like you to share your story; email them at – firedepartment@burlington.ca.

“The intent of the video is to tell a real and meaningful story to spark conversation within our community about CO,” said Public Education Officer Kim Sopko. “There are many stories out there like Julia’s. Our goal is to find and share those personal experiences to hopefully prevent the same situation from happening to others in our community.”

Julia’s Story and other fire and life safety education videos can be viewed on the fire department’s YouTube channel.

CO is a gas you can’t see, smell or taste so the only way to detect it inside the home is with an alarm. If it the alarm sounds, get outside immediately and call 9-1-1. More information on CO can be found at: www.burlington.ca/co.

The Burlington Fire Department is a composite force that includes career staff and volunteers serving the diverse needs of the community. The department’s activities include fire suppression, fire prevention, education, training and emergency planning.

Hospital asks for a re-jig of the funding formula - council says sure - the amount to be borrowed will push city close to its debt limits.

By Pepper Parr

July 8, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Joseph Brant Hospital tag team paid a courtesy call on Council earlier this week and chit chatted about how things were coming along on the construction site; updated council on where things were with the community portion of the $120 million we have to come up with to get that refurbished hospital, large parts of which will be brand spanking new, top the point where people can use the place.

Annissa Hilborn and Eric Vandewall, she of the Hospital Foundation and he of the hospital itself, also left the city with a document that set out when and how much of the $60 million city taxpayers have been putting into a reserve fund for that rainy day when the hospital comes looking for a cheque.

The purpose of the meeting was to approve the amendments to the City’s Contribution Milestones and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the amending agreement.

JBH renering July -15 with passageway to garage

Most recent rendering of the Joseph Brant Hospital showing the bridge from the garage.

In July of 2012, Council approved a Contribution Agreement that had the city contributing $60 million towards the purchase of eligible equipment costs.
At the time there was a bit of a squabble on how the city was going to give money to the hospital. They, the hospital, wanted the city to pay for building the parking garage which Councillor Taylor objected to – unless the city was going to get the parking revenue. That idea didn’t fly.

They eventually settled on the city agreeing to pick up the tab for up to $60 million in equipment costs.

The initial cash flow from the hospital represented the their preliminary estimate of the equipment needs and cash flow requirements over the life of the JBH Redevelopment Project prior to the award of the construction Contract to Ellis Don Infrastructure JBH Inc.

The revised schedule is now reflective of the equipment purchases required to align with the construction schedule of Ellis Don Infrastructure JBH Inc. which includes the opening of the new tower in 2017. The equipment requirements for the hospital fiscal years 2015/16 have decreased by $10.1 million. In 2016/17, the equipment requirements have increased by $22 million from the original contribution agreement. These changes are consistent with the construction project schedule and the requirement to acquire furniture, fixtures and equipment and install the same prior to the opening of the new tower in 2017.

The new tower will include a new Emergency department, three medical/surgical floors, a new ICU, new OR’s and day surgery and ambulatory care including a new Ophthalmology Clinic.

The comparison of the Revised Contribution Milestones is provided below:

2016 is going to be a crunch year – the hospital wants a lot of the money then – and we don’t have it – so we borrow – hoping that interest rates remain low.

The change in the cash flow advances the amount of debt required, but given the current favourable interest rates, the revised cash flow reduces the total levy and the length of time for the dedicated hospital levy from $62.1 million (19 years) to $59.5 million over 17 years.
The original cash flow is set out below

The revised cash flow means the city doesn’t have to borrow quite as much as it would have under the original flow.

The Contribution Agreement requires that JBH provide a Milestone Notice to the city at least three months in advance of each contribution date. This is critical in 2016 as this is the largest payment requiring a significant amount of debentures through the Region of Halton.

Each notice must contain:

• A statement confirming the application of all installments previously provided by the city to eligible costs
• A statement confirming the amount contributed by the Foundation to Local Share Plan Costs at that time (the agreement stipulates that the cumulative city contribution is not to exceed the amount contributed by the Foundation)
• A statement confirming the application of any unused funds from any prior city installment together with interest earned
• Any unused funds together with interest earned shall be used on account of the next city installment.

The city’s $60 million contribution is made up of cash payments totaling $24.1 M and debentures of $35.9 M. Debt repayment (principal and interest) amounts to $41.52 M (10 year debt at 1.951% for the 2015 issue and an assumed 3% for the 2016 debt issue). All cash and debt repayment is funded by the dedicated tax levy for the hospital.

Bandits lose a shootout in Barrie - 9-8 leaves them sixth in an 8 team league

By Clinton Dixon

July 8, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On a cold summer’s day the Burlington Bandits made their way North up the 400 to once again battle with the reigning IBL Champion Barrie Baycats. Unfortunately Burlington was not able to come out on top in the game, losing in a shootout, the final score 9-8 in favour of Barrie.

The game almost never happened as Barrie experienced heavy rainfall for the majority of the day. In the end the rain let up just in time, allowing Burlington to try and redeem themselves after losing to Barrie 17-4 at home last weekend. “We’ve been better,” said Burlington’s Coach Kyle MacKinnon, “we still have to fight with the top dogs. Keep scratching out the wins we should, and beat someone we shouldn’t.”

After a 45-minute delay the field was finally ready and Colonel Doyon, Commander of Canadian Forces Base Borden, took the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Military Day at Coates Stadium.

Luis Diaz tosses his bat after being walked.

When the game finally got underway it was easy to see that the wet conditions were making it tough for both teams. In the top of the first inning Adam Odd hit a ground ball right at Barrie’s second baseman Luis Diaz; the play should have resulted in an easy out, but the conditions resulted in Diaz losing grip on the ball, throwing into his own dugout. Odd would score shortly afterwards to open the scoring for the game.

From that point on there were several lead changes that saw Burlington put up the fight their coach was asking for.

However, they weren’t able to find that killer instinct and put the game out of reach. After holding the lead several times the Bandits found themselves going into the eighth inning down 8-5. After Brandon Hillier singled to left and Adam Odd singled to right Shaun Cooper stepped to the plate and belted a home run to tie the game.

Bandits lose to the Barrie Baycats – Close – but that doesn’t count in baseball.

Sadly the win wasn’t in the cards for Burlington, in the bottom of the eighth Luis Diaz scored for Barrie on a single by Kyle DeGrace, putting the Baycats on top for good as they went on to win the game 9-8.

The loss leaves Burlington with an 8-16 record, and in sixth position in the eight team league.

The Bandits now travel to Brantford to play the Red Sox tonight, Wednesday July 8 at 8:00 p.m.

Crunch time on a transit service decision - will they walk or will they vote yes?

By Pepper Parr

July 8, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

What if the transit drivers decide they want to force their issues and walk off the job Monday morning – the 13th

Transit people will tell you that once a bus rider leaves it takes a long, long time to get them back.

Transit wkshp = Edwardth = Mayor with cell

Mayor explains using the bus schedule on his cell phone

Riders are forced to find some other way to get around – and they often like what they find – even if it costs more and they stay with it for some time.

There is a break in the trust that existed between the transit drivers and those who use the buses.
People who depended on transit had their lives significantly disruptedand they don’t see their transit driver as the friendly person who they met and chatted with every day.

There is a disintegration in public trust – something that is hard to quantify or measure but it is certainly there.

Burlington is not a transit friendly city. There are people who will be delighted when the bus no longer drives by their house making more noise than they want to put up with.

Those same people don’t like the noise the garbage truck makes but they put up with it because they want their garbage removed.

They are not transit users and they resent the amount of their tax dollars that are used to support transit – they see transit that is something for people of limited means – and they don’t see Burlington as a city of limited means.

This attitude is part of a particular demographic – it isn’t seen in the younger people – they adapt more easily and tend to have a different take on the damage that cars do to the environment.

It will be interesting to see what the transit workers decide to do and how city council reacts.

Mayor Goldring: Is there an event he won't attend? He doesn't have to get out to everything - but he usually does.

Mayor thinking through a problem – transit is going to occupy some of his thinking this weekend.

Performing Arts Centre repeats it call for local talent to Showcase in the 2016 - 2016 season.

Arts and entertainment graphic By Staff

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre has issued a new call for applications to audition for talent Showcase spots that will be part of the 2015/2016 season

The Performing Arts Centre has initiated a Community Engagement program that will introduce amateur performers to theatre patrons.

This is part of the Centre’s Community Engagement initiative. They want to involve local amateur talent in Burlington and surrounding areas to showcase prior to a selection of events in the Main Theatre throughout the 2015/2016 Season.

These showcases are to complement the show in Main Theatre. For example if the event in the Main Theatre is a dance event then the group that will be chosen to Showcase their talent the lobby will be dance.

If the Main stage has song then the group – or a single person – will be a singer.

The objective is to have what is being showcased compliment what is taking place on the Main theatre stage.

There is a small honorarium for the Lobby Showcases and artists will get an opportunity to market their brand at that time, while reaching a new audience. The artists may also be added to the City of Burlington’s Artists database, with their permission. The honorarium was a change from the original announcement

The selected performers will get one of eight Lobby Showcase spots available throughout the 2015/2016 Presenting Season and they, as well as others selected, may also get a chance to be featured in the Culture Days celebrations, September 25 to 27, 2015.

The Centre’s goal is to provide these local acts with greater exposure – to introduce the artists to the Centre;s patrons, and a wider audience – encouraging local artists on their way to becoming better known in the community.

If the Burlington Teen Tour Band can do their thing in the lobby of the Performing Arts Centre – imagine what a smaller group could do?

We are looking for singer/songwriters, dancers, singers (pop, jazz, blues, folk, classical), bands or combos, instrumentalists and soloists (classical, jazz, etc.), performance art and comedy. Please submit the following by email to: BPACAuditions@burlington.ca

Include photos, a short biography and background information, a description of the act or performer, any links to YouTube videos if available, and contact information.

Dateline for submissions is July 24, 2015.

There are limited spots available so only the acts or artists selected will be contacted with an audition date and time. Auditions will take place on September 19 and 20, from 10am to 5pm.

Any further inquiries may be made to Community Engagement Manager, Costin Manu, at costin.manu@burlington.ca

City of Burlington and Transit Workers, reach a tentative settlement; they did the same thing last week

By Staff

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

A tentative settlement was reached today between the City of Burlington and the members of CUPE Local 2723, representing Burlington Transit workers.

The union will be holding a ratification meeting on July 12. Both parties have been ordered by the conciliator to respect a full blackout on any details of the settlement until the day of ratification. Both parties fully recommend the tentative deal.

The city has known for some time that there were going to be problems with the transit union; a tentative deal, which was recommended by the union negotiators to the membership, was nevertheless turned down by the membership.

There is something the transit workers are really unhappy with. Was the city able to sweeten the deal enough for the membership to accept? We will know Sunday evening

The union has informed the city that if the tentative settlement is rejected by the union members, a transit strike would start effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 13.

That’s cutting it close.

City staff are concerned that a lengthy strike will drive people away from transit – and it takes a long long time to win them back. Critical; time for transit in Burlington

The community is encouraged to consider alternative arrangements for transportation in the event of a strike.

Car show will create transit detour - Brant closed south of Caroline from 7 am to 5 pm on the 11th

By Staff

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Let us add to your traffic woes.

Burlington Transit routes and 5 will detour this Saturday, July 11

Brant street will be closed from Caroline to Lakeshore Rd. in both directions, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. during the “Burlington Downtown Car Show”.

Routes 3 and 5 will be detoured in downtown as follows:

From Burlington GO to Downtown Transit Terminal:
• regular routing to Caroline
• left on Caroline
• right on John St.

From Downtown Transit Terminal to Burlington GO:
• north on John St to Caroline
• left on Caroline to Brant St.
• right on Brant St.

Summer traffic woes on Maplewood Drive and parts of Plains Road West

By Staff

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Summer traffic woes.

Traffic alerts –Maplewood Drive and Plains Road West have trouble spots.

Maplewood Drive will be temporarily closed from Brant Street to Robinson Street from July 2 to July 9, 2015 for the installation of a sanitary sewer.

The northbound lane of Plains Road West between Hillsdale Avenue and York Boulevard will have a temporary lane closure for work to rehabilitate a bridge.

The lane restriction is in place from July 7 to Oct. 30, 2015.

Access to buildings along this section of Plains Road West will be maintained at all times.

Is the Food Truck a fad, a new phenomenon or the shape of things to come?

By Tara Hall

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Food trucks are more than just a phenomenon, they’re a social movement

What was once the domain of fried potatoes and tubular meat products has undergone a culinary revolution. Food trucks are more than just a phenomenon or fad. They represent a new social movement in the culinary world and deserve a place in the foodscape of a vibrant community.

That is a crowd and that is a circle of Food Trucks – the idea has taken hold – will Burlington ever see a set up like this?

The rise of the gourmet food truck movement began early this century with the economic downtown in the United States. There was a convergence of opportunities. A drop in housing and construction saw mobile food vehicles that had once served the construction sites go under.

Restaurants felt the pinch as the economy slowed and were laying off staff, and frugal consumers were looking for inexpensive meals. Unemployed chefs, cheap trucks and thrifty consumers made the gourmet food truck an opportunity to cash in on.

Less than a decade since, IBISWorld research estimates that there are more than 4,000 food trucks operating in the United States and they have out-performed the rest of the food industry. The movement came to Canada about five years ago.

Some of the Food trucks are almost an art form

Niagara’s el Gastronomo Vagabundo, started operation in 2010 and is widely regarded as the first gourmet food truck in Canada and certainly a pioneer in Ontario’s growing food truck movement. It is a movement that has already established a hold in Golden Horseshoe communities outside of Burlington and contributes to their status as culinary destinations for foodies.

In today’s consumer culture we buy the signs and ideas more so than the commodity itself. In the case of food we’re not buying sustenance, we’re buying, local, organic, vegan, exotic, fusion, gourmet, authentic, exclusive, trendy, ethical, artisanal sustenance.

This shift in the culinary world is not about food trucks. Rather, the foodie culture has been a growing movement and smart restauranteurs recognize the trends. There has been democratization of the food world at the consumer end where foodies seek authentic, exotic, ethical or gourmet food but a bricks and mortar restaurant, whether it’s hole-in-the-wall or haute cuisine, is where you’ve needed to go to get it.

Food trucks, however, represent a democratization at the production end. Food truckers have brought all the caché foodie consumers seek to a mobile space that comes to a street near you. The trucks come with gourmet food, bright colours, amusing names, and a buzz created by social media.

The trucks often pay homage to the cuisine, cooking techniques or food represented. There is a playful imitation of gourmet or comfort food but in a way that celebrates the original. Comfort food like grilled cheese is elevated with gourmet artisanal ingredients. A blurring of culinary genres is a common food truck theme as evidenced by Asian tacos with kimchi or a truck dedicated to noodles from all culinary traditions.

You know what you’re getting from this Food Truck

Foodies, seeking that authentic, exotic, ethical or gourmet food now have another place to get it. Restaurant associations, rather than welcoming the culinary newcomers have lobbied municipalities for restrictive by-laws that limit them. In some cities entire zones are off limits for food trucks and although another restaurant can open up next door a food truck can’t operate for the afternoon within a specified buffer zone. What the restaurant associations don’t realize is that if a foodie wants a food truck experience they will find a food truck. If they want a Michelin star experience they will find a Michelin star restaurant. That is a part of what the foodie culture is about.

As for food truckers, they’re a plucky lot. Food truck operators in Ontario formed an association of their own to lobby for better access to streets and parks. They founded locations in some communities with access for all food trucks, and participate in food truck rallies where they come together and operate as a collective attraction.

Their marketing techniques are primarily through social media and cross promote other trucks. Some are fine to stay on the road while others may look at the truck as a stepping stone to a bricks and mortar operation. Just down the road in food truck friendly Hamilton, at least three food trucks are opening restaurants in the community.

This is taking the idea of a Food Truck a little further than the very first vehicles – but if there is a market for this – who knows.

Although meeting with resistance from traditional restaurants, and municipal politics, the renegade restaurants on wheels are a growing success and a movement that’s here to stay.

Indeed they are – the design of the Beachway Park – that we won’t see for at least ten years includes Food Trucks that will cater to the thousands of people who will use that park.

About the author:

I am not in the food truck or any food service industry, nor do I have family or friends in the industry. I work in municipal government for the City of Hamilton. The research I based the op-ed on was conducted as part of my studies towards a Masters of Arts in Intercultural and International Communications through Royal Roads University in Victoria. It’s based on a project that I completed for a Public Culture course where I looked at the food truck movement in Southern Ontario from a postmodern perspective.

Is there a future for the oldest farmhouse in the downtown core? Could be if the city planners and the developer get creative.

By Pepper Parr

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It’s pretty clear now that the house William Ghent lived in as a farmer is going to meet the nudge of a wrecking ball.

The last genuine farm house in the downtown core – can any of it be salvaged?

The Development and Infrastructure Standing Committee decided not to go along with a staff report that advised the city not to issue a demolition permit.
The goose was cooked” when Jim Clemens said during his delegation that he would be very hard pressed to find a strong reason for keeping the structure.

Heritage Advisory Chair Jim Clemens didn’t see enough in the Ghent – Brant property to designate it – without the designation the city has to issue a demolition permit if one is sought.

Clemens did say that he hoped a way could be found to save parts of the structure – perhaps the façade of the building and include that in whatever gets built on the lot at the corner of Ghent and Brant Street along with the property to the south of it.

Tony Millington, the private planner on the file said that the owners of the property had not yet decided what they were going to build but that they expected to come back and ask for zoning to build at least an eight storey structure.

The city’s planning department still harbours hopes that something can be saved – the structure is the very last farm house in the downtown core.

While Ghent was the owner of the property when it was divided into eight 5 acres parcels – that would qualify him as one of the city’s earliest developers – he really didn’t live in the house all that long.

The property will soon be in the hands of a developer – all they have to do is convince council to give them the zoning and density they want and that corner of the city will be like most of the other – plain, bland and uninspiring.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

There are two classical Renaissance style structures on Yonge Street in Toronto that were basically abandoned years ago. Both were banks.

Abandoned bank on Yonge Street in Toronto found a new life – as the lobby to a high rise condominium. Imagine this as the front door to your home.

A developer came up with a way to use one of the abandoned banks as the entrance to a high rise condominium that would be built behind and above the old bank.

The pictures tell the story.

The classical structure was saved – lending much more comfortable street scape and a lobby that is to die for.

Does Burlington have a developer with some imagination and the ability to take a risk and include the farmhouse in whatever they decide to build – and get a little extra density for their efforts?

That farmhouse could be changed into a general store, a drug store, even a coffee shop that would enhanced the property and keep some of the city’s heritage.

It can be done.

A stretch of anything but contemporary looking homes in the Beach of eastern Toronto

There is a stretch of Toronto along the lakeshore in the east end where the road bends and becomes Woodbine Avenue. Years ago a racetrack was on that property.

A developer bought the land and developed a nice sub-division – not unlike our Alton Village. They were nice enough.

Woodbine beauties - Brick and best colour BEST

Buyers had a choice between plain bland brick and colourful semi-detached homes – the colourful homes sold for a premium.

The developer was getting on in years and decided he wanted to do something different so he built a stretch of the development that were significantly different than the rest – they were brightly painted and just different – and they ended up selling at a premium price.

The public will buy different – if the developers don’t come forward with different ideas – there are people in the planning department that can help them,

Let’s see what the end resolution is with the property at Ghent and Brant.

Royal Botanical Gardens’ workers to stage ‘Still Falling Behind in Paradise’ rally tomorrow

By Staff

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The unions in this city seem to be on a bit of a roll – while the city’s outside workers settled – the transit drivers have yet to accept the city’s latest offer.

The 33 front-line workers who maintain the Royal Botanical Gardens gardens, grounds and buildings, are facing the harsh reality of falling behind as their wages have not kept pace with inflation in decades.

The union points to the pride of the RBG being an ‘ecological jewel’ and a living paradise for locals and visitors to escape to, the workers who maintain the place are not happy campers

“While RBG’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) saw his salary increase by 40 thousand dollars from 2006 to 2014, the workers who tend to the ecological jewel received 0 per cent for 8 of the past 20 years,” said Sandra Walker, president of CUPE 5167, representing RBG workers.

Thirty three grounds workers make all this happen – they’d like to see the same increase in their pay cheque that the CEO got.

“While they love the gardens, our members have truly fallen behind in ‘paradise’ because at the end of the day they have to feed their families and not just admire the beauty of RBG.”

Over the years, the workers were forced to accept none to very minimal wage increases to keep the RBG operating financially. As a result of their sacrifices to keep RBG afloat, the workers’ wages have fallen behind drastically and they are now attempting to address the wage issue in this round of bargaining talks. Their last contract expired on January 15, 2015.

Both the union and management are scheduled to return to bargaining talks on July 14 with the help of a provincial conciliator. The workers voted unanimously, a 100% mandate, to secure a fair contract that corrects the wage gap, including job action if necessary.

“According to the CEO, last year was a positive year for the RBG, with a new five-year strategic plan that aims to position the RBG as a global leader in the next decade,” said Walker. “Our members support this plan and they’ve worked hard to help RBG turn the corner, and it is now time for management to help workers with real wage increases.”

To highlight the economic challenges faced by the workers, they will hold a ‘Still Falling Behind in Paradise’ rally on Wednesday, July 8 at 5:00 p.m. outside of the RBG entrance at 680 Plains Road West in Burlington.

CineStarz - Show times - July 10 to 16, 2015

Cine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA

SHOWTIMES July 10 to 16, 2015

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON PG
Fri to Thur 1:00 3:10 5:10 7:10 9:40

MAX PG
Fri to Thur 11:30 1:30 3:30 5:30 7:30 9:30

SAN ANDREAS PG
Fri to Thur 1:10 3:10 5:40 7:40 9:40

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:20 3:15 7:35 9:30

WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 7:40 9:40

PITCH PERFECT2 PG
Fri to Thur 5:05 7:40

TOMORROWLAND PG
Fri to Thur 12:45 3:10 5:15

MAD MAX FURY ROAD 18A
Fri to Thur 9:45

HOME G
Fri to Thur 11:15 3:30

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:00 5:30

—

Is it time for transit workers to do a reality check and look at the city offer again?

By Pepper Parr

July 7, 2105

BURLINGTON, ON

When negotiating the idea is for each side to determine what they can give and what they just cannot give up or absolutely have to have.

The transit workers do not appear to have learned or understood that fundamental rule.

There was a time when a much larger bus termial existed 25 yards to the left of this small terminal onm John Street - it was where people met. There were fewer cars, Burlington didn't have the wealth then that it has now. We were a smaller city, as much rural as suburban. The times have changed and transit now needs to change as well.

The transit terminal is open now – can the city and the transit union find a way to keep it open and avert a strike?

One of their issues is for those over 65 to be able to have access to the same range of benefits that those under 65 have, which is apparently not the case now – even though that right is said to be written into the existing collective agreement.

A reliable source reports that there is a benefit the transit workers have which they are not using – the city would like the union to exchange some of that benefit in exchange for the paying full benefits to those over 65.

The union leadership is reported to have recommended to their membership that they accept the offer the city has made – the membership said no – and everyone is now back at the negotiating table.

At a transit workshop several months ago dozens of people spoke of the high regard they had for transit drivers; young people spoke of occasions when a driver turned a blind eye to the person not having the full fare; adults told of drivers that would let them off a bus closer to their homes in the evening.

A reputation for courtesy and service was witnessed – that is not something one would want to lose.

Some union members feel they have the city between a rock and a hard place given the current city council schedule and the oncoming summer vacation.

Time to do some real negotiating and time for the union membership to do a fast reality check.

Conduct an orchestra! They will put the baton in your hand. Wow!

By Staff

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Have you ever marvelled at that guy in front of that big orchestra and the way he waves his arms around and gets everybody to play just the way he wants?

Symphony on the Bay has been performing in Burlington for the past 4 years at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.(www.symphonyonthebay.com)

They were the orchestra playing the concert with the fireworks on Canada Day in Spencer Smith Park.

The orchestra will be taking part in Culture Days and is looking for people, ages 6 and up, who would like to conduct the orchestra in a” pass the baton” relay at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, September 27.

Anyone interested can contact Andrea Battista at abattista1@cogeco.ca.

Be part of the show - Koogle looking for dancers to take part in September's Culture Days

By Staff

July 6, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Koogle Theatre Company will be holding auditions on Sunday August 9 for local dancers!

A Koogle Theatre event that took place in Central Park – they will be taking part in Culture Days in September

They are looking for dancers of all ages for the Culture Days event on Sept 27,

Contact info@koogletheatre.com if interested.

Rehearsals will be on Sundays in August and Sept.

Culture Days, which take place in late September have grown to become almost the major growth event that involves people in the city and the thousands that visit Burlington.

Here is an opportunity to be part of the event.

More of them: Premier plans to make room for more politicians in the legislature.

By Pepper Parr

July 6th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

If you like the idea of running for public office and ending up with a decent pension there is an opportunity for someone in Burlington to join Eleanor McMahon at Queen’s Park.

The government of Ontario decided some time ago that the boundaries for the constituencies in Ontario would be the same as those of the federal government.

The federal government added a new riding for Burlington which means that in the fullness of time there will be a new riding for Burlington.
And because it is a new seat the candidates will not have to run against an incumbent – once those people get into office they never seem to know that it is time to leave; it becomes very difficult to vote them out due to their high name recognition.

So – if a career as an elected official interests you – watch how things play out in the new Oakville North Burlington riding, then join the political party you think can take the seat provincially and you might be on your way to getting your picture in the paper regularly and maybe even making a difference for the community.

Expect to see another office like this open at some point in the not too distant future – it will cater to the people on the east side of the city and some in Oakville.

Don’t worry too much about your political convictions – they don’t matter all that much these days; promises are made that everyone knows are never going to be kept.

The provincial government introduced Election Reform legislation to Ensure Fair Representation which will increase the number of Ontario ridings to 122

Ontario is proposing changes to the provincial election system that would ensure Ontarians are represented fairly in the legislature.

Wynne Kathleen - looking guilty gas plant hearing

Premier will follow the practice of having the same constituency boundaries as federal ridings – which will mean one more for Burlington.

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that the government will introduce an election reform bill. If passed, the Electoral Boundaries Act, 2015 would increase the number of provincial ridings in southern Ontario from 96 to 111 for the election scheduled in 2018. This would align with the new federal boundaries, and would better reflect population shifts and increases. Most new ridings would be in areas that have seen substantial population growth, such as Toronto, Peel, York, Durham and Ottawa.

The 11 ridings in northern Ontario would stay the same to ensure that northern communities continue to have effective representation in the legislature.
Adjusting Ontario’s electoral boundaries was recommended by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The government is also committed to addressing other recommendations from the CEO, and will be moving ahead with additional items this fall, including:

• Moving the fixed election date from fall to spring to help avoid overlap with federal and municipal elections;

• Engaging more young people with the voting process through provisional registration for 16- and 17-year-olds. The minimum voting age would remain 18;

• Strengthening rules on election-related third-party advertising.

Enhancing the fairness and integrity of the election system is part of the government’s plan to build a fairer and more inclusive Ontario.

Wonderful!

Transit union negotiations about to get a little tense and sticky; council meets next July 15th and then wants to be off for the summer - good luck on that one.

How much longer will that open sign be lit up ?

By Pepper Parr

July 6, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The telephones will jangle this morning – because there is a crunch coming on the transit union’s membership decision to turn down the city’s most recent offer.

Dean Manville, a CUPE negotiator brought in to oversee the talks with the city is trying to get the Ministry of Labour conciliator back into the city to take part in the next round of talks. Both the union and the city have said publicly that they want to continue negotiations.

The union has committed to giving the city 72 hours’ notice should they decide to with draw their services.

Here is where the rubber hits the road.

Mayor Goldring is usually very direct - no flim flam with this guy. But something went werong last Monday.

Mayor might have to call a Special meeting of Council during the summer if an agreement can’t be reached with the transit workers.

Council will meet this evening as a Standing Committee – and while the transit negotiations are not on the agenda there is nothing preventing anyone from asking to speak and nothing preventing the Mayor from speaking on the issue.

Whatever agreement is reached has to be ratified by Council. The offer that was put on the table was agreed upon by the city at a Special city council meeting June 30th – that offer was turned down so whatever the city decides to offer, if anything, will have to be ratified again.

The next city council meeting is July 15th – then they are off for the summer.

The tone from the union people the Gazette has talked to is not to let this situation simmer for the summer.

If the union tells the city they are withdrawing their services in 72 hours – expect the Mayor to call another Special meeting – we can see some vacation schedules being changed.

“Stay tuned”.

Background on where things stood earlier today:

Line up for the first Lowville festival announced - Gordie Tapp will be making an appearance.

By Pepper Parr

July 6, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Robert Missen doesn’t speak – he gushes.

Words tumble out of him – he has so much he wants to say and the passion behind his words is palpable – so it was no surprise that the launch of the Lowville Festival was going to be – well extensive.

Lowville? Sure – everyone wants to be in Spencer Smith Park where the crowds have lots of room.

They live life differently in Lowville – here the citizens celebrate an equinox.

Missen calls Lowville a hamlet – could be, it is certainly a community with its own identity that it does not appreciate people trifling with. They do things differently up there.

Bronte Creek runs through the community and God help anyone foolish enough tio dump trash into the part of the creek that runs through Lowville.

Missen tells the story of the launch this way: “The hills and dales of north Burlington’s beautiful Escarpment country will be alive this summer with the sounds of music, theatre, dance and spoken word.; Told ya – he gushes.

And he has a lot to gush about – check the lineup- Gordie Tapp will perform, Stuart Laughton will perform (you don’t know who Laughton is? you will once you hear him)

The inaugural Lowville Festival will feature many of Lowville and Burlington’s finest performers, as well as a number of the country’s most superb artists.

The school house hasn’t seen a student for some time – the Jazz group should give the rafters a wake up call.

The Festival will begin on Thursday July 16th with an open-air performance of Shakespeare’s HAMLET, presented by Toronto’s Driftwood Theatre. A special free workshop takes place that afternoon.
On Friday July 17th, the festival will kick into high gear with a gala benefit concert called SWINGIN’ ON A STAR at St. George’s Anglican Hall.

The first half of the concert will celebrate a wide variety of Burlington performers, including Stuart Laughton, this year’s Burlington Hall of Fame Award winner, and Charles Cozens, one of the country’s finest conductor/arrangers.

The second half is a salute to the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra, the 20th century’s finest pop singer. The concert also marks the launch of the Lowville Festival Choir under the direction of Wayne Strongman, former conductor of Hamilton’s Bach Elgar Choir.

Saturday’s activities will take place in Lowville’s Victorian schoolhouse, located right in the centre of the hamlet of Lowville. Both concerts will be curated by Burlington singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths.

The festival concludes on Sunday with three unique events.

In the morning, Kilbride’s Anna Schantz, a specialist teacher in Nia Dance, will lead a special free dance fitness experience in Music, Movement, and Magic .

The legendary Burlington entertainer Gordie Tapp headlines FOR LOVE OF LOWVILLE, a celebration of the history and environment in and around Lowville, to be held in Lowville United Church on Sunday afternoon. He will be joined by local novelist Janet Turpin Myers and blues singer Melissa Bel, among other performers.

The festival finale, SUMMER SERENADE, also at St. George’s Hall, will feature a range of classical and musical theatre artists, including Rebecca Caine, star of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, and virtuoso Oakville cellist Rachel Mercer. The festival will conclude with a special tribute to The Sound of Music.

Gordie Tapp, a one time Lowville resident, will make an appearance at the festival. Hee haw!

The Lowville Festival is the vision of two Burlington performing artists, Lorretta Bailey, a Lowville resident, who has performed in musical theatre productions across Canada, including the original Toronto production of Les Miserables, and Robert Missen, proprietor of the Bobolink Agency,

These days everyone collaborates or has partners – the festival has partnered with Thinkspot, Ticketpro and Robert Lowrey, Piano Experts – these are the Official Festival Sponsors.

The city of Burlington gets a nod for its support under its Love My Hood initiative. The proters have a very special thanks for both Lowville United Church and St. George’s Anglican Church Lowville, whose support for the festival has been invaluable.

The Lowville Festival has a unique mandate- A festival of all the arts for the artist in all of us.
For more information contact Robert Missen at 905-632-6047 or rmissen@sympatico.ca

The events break out this way:

DRIFTWOOD THEATRE WORKSHOP
THURSDAY JULY 16 2:30 pm
6210 LOWVILLE PARK ROAD

Driftwood Theatre offers a free workshop and opportunity to perform in the evening’s performance of HAMLET. Contact www.thinkspot.ca to sign up.

DRIFTWOOD THEATRE’S HAMLET
THURSDAY JULY 16TH 6 pm Doors Open. 7:30 Show commences.
6210 LOWVILLE PARK ROAD

Shakespeare’s royal murder mystery featuring some of the most famous lines in theatre unfolds for audiences outdoors in beautiful Lowville Park. Driftwood Theatre. Toronto’s professional touring company, is offering this classic play for a Suggested Ticket Price of $20 or Pay What You Can.
Sponsored by THINKSPOT

Local musician to play the Queen’s Head Thursday night.

SWINGIN’ ON A STAR
FRIDAY JULY 17, 2015 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL

Loretta Bailey and Robert Missen, hosts.
Artists include Stuart Laughton, Renee Barabash, Andy Griffiths, Dacid Warrack, Lorraine Foreman, Michael Mulrooney, Jude Johnson, Charles Cozens, Wayne Strongman and the Lowville Festival Choir,

The first Lowville Festival with a Gala Concert featuring a wide range of superlative performers, most of whom hail from Burlington.

Classical, pop, jazz, blues, folk, musical theatre. The second half of the concert will be a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Frank Sinatra. Proceeds from this benefit concert will be dedicated to the establishment of the festival.

$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR

MY CAT FLASH’S SOPHISTICATED SONGS FOR KIDS
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE

ANDY GRIFFITHS and FRANK KOREN
Burlington singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths launches his new kids’ show, which will also entertain the kid in all of us.

$10

ROOTS N’ ROLL: ACOUSTIC ROOTS IN THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 8 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE

Andy Griffiths and Frank Koren and Kim

Join Andy and his Burlington musical friends for an intimate evening with local songwriters in the Victorian stone schoolhouse in the centre of Lowville.

$20

SUNDAY JULY 19TH 11 AM
LOWVILLE PARK, between the playground and the creek,
under the trees
ADMISSION FREE

NIA is a joyful, mindful, and expressive physical conditioning practice, incorporating moves from dance, martial arts, yoga and other alignment arts, as well as individualized, free form movement. NIA offers fun and fitness to men and women of all ages and fitness abilities. Join Nia Black Belt teacher Anna Schantz for a NIA dance fitness experience in Music, Movement, and Magic. Theme: Psychedelic Sunday. Bare feet, hippie attire, and flowers most welcome. Suitable for everybody. www.nianow.com

Janet Turpin Meyers, local author launches her first title at the end of the month.

Janet Turpin Meyers, local author will appear at the Lowville Jazz festival.

FOR LOVE OF LOWVILLE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE UNITED CHURCH

Lorretta Bailey and Robert Misen, hosts

Artists include Melissa Bel, Janet Turpin Myers, Loraine Foreman, Jude Johnson, Lorreta Bailey, Robert Missen and Daryl Webber.

Special Guest: GORDIE TAPP

Celebrating the rich historical and Escarpment heritage of the hamlet of Lowville in a concert that combines music and the spoken word. Local musicians Melissa Bel and Lorretta Bailey are joined by novelist Janet Turpin Myers. Legendary Burlington entertainer Gordie Tapp, formerly of Lowville, will be reunited with Lorraine Foreman, his colleague on Country Hoedown, one of the most popular Canadian television shows of the fifties.

$20 ADVANCE/$25 AT THE DOOR

SUMMER SERENADE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL

Rebecca Caine of Les Miserables fame will be part of the Lowville festival

ROBERT MISSEN is hosting this event.
Artists include Rebecca Caine, soprano; Robert Kortgaard , piano; Rachel Mercer, cello; Stuart Laughton, trumpet; Renee Barabash, piano; Michael Mulrooney, piano

Missen says rhey will be bringing the inaugural festival to a glorious conclusion (I did say he gushs) with a concert featuring some of the country’s finest classical and musical theatre artists. Rebecca Caine, the original Cosette in Les Miserables and star of the Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera; Oakville-born cellist Rachel Mercer; and virtuoso trumpeter Stuart Laughton will present a concert featuring Bach, Chopin and Schafer as well as a special tribute to The Sound of Music.

$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR

Lowville doesn’t see this much action even during the Winter Carnival. Getting around Lowville is easy once you know where you are going.

The United Church is at the corner of Guelph Line and Britannia Road with a decent parking lot behind the church.

St. Georges isn’t actually in Lowville, it isn’t even in Burlington. It is on Guelph Line just above Derry Road – can’t miss the place – it is a beautiful stone building built in 1896

Tckets can be had on line at Ticketpro

Available at the door – but cash only.

Burlington Transit workers turn down a recommended settlement; both city and transit ask that negotiations continue.

By Staff

July 6, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

In a surprisingly short media release the city announced that Burlington Transit workers, represented by CUPE Local 2723, Sunday night turned down a negotiated settlement reached by the union and the City of Burlington on June 30 and recommended to the members.

Transit wil continue to operate while both sides return to the bargaining table.

Negotiations will continue, said the city and transit services will operate as usual at this time.

In its statement the union said:

“Our members have spoken and indicated the contract offer before them did not go far enough to address their concerns,” said Dean Mainville, CUPE national representative for CUPE 2723. “We are calling on the city to resume discussions with us and explore ways to overcome this impasse.”

“We have reached out to management and asked them to return to bargaining in an effort to work out an agreement that will be acceptable to members, and prevent a service disruption that will affect transit users,” added Mainville.

CUPE 2723 represents 130 transit workers, including drivers and mechanics.

On its website the city said: “We hope the union does not choose to withdraw its services, but if they do initiate a strike, we intend to do the best we can to meet our obligations to the residents of the city and our other non-striking employees.

During a strike, unionized staff will picket in certain locations near city facilities. It is legal to picket and to attempt to persuade third parties to support a strike.

It is also legal for non-striking employees and customers to cross a picket line, to report to work or conduct business with the city.

The rights of both parties should be respected. In a strike situation, local police work with the striking workers to determine a reasonable arrangement that allows the striking workers to temporarily delay the entry of vehicles. We anticipate responsible, respectful behaviour from members of CUPE Local 2723.

Should you attempt to come to a city building and you are unreasonably delayed or prevented from conducting city business as a result of picket line activity, please speak with one of the city’s picket line monitors (wearing an orange vest) or call Service Burlington at 905-335-7803.

City doesn't provide an adequate level of safety for some of its workers.

By Pepper Parr

July 4, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It was just over a month ago when we reported that two city employees were struck by a car on Walkers Line while they were planting spring flowers and shrubs on the medians.

The police haven’t reported if charges were laid against the driver of the vehicle but we can say with some certainty that the city hasn’t done all it could to ensure the safety of these workers.

Workers planting flowers and doing maintenance work on the meridians of busy streets are not properly protected from passing traffic.

Three woman who were doing planting and cleaning up of a meridian on Brant Street just north of Caroline were at some risk from passing traffic.

There were bright red lane marking cones on the roadway and the employees were wearing brightly coloured vests – but they were at some risk.

Scan the pictures below for yourself – were those woman as safe as you would want your children to be?

If people are going to work on streets that have heavy traffic there should be people with signs ensuring that oncoming traffic is fully aware that there are people who are very close to the ground and might not be easily visible who are making our city attractive.

Hoe close to these workers is that car going to get and do the woman know the car is approaching?

Would you put your children in this kind of a working situation?

The sight of bright plants making the city look beautiful isn’t worth another person being injured. I shuddered as I took the pictures – especially of that woman who had her leg stretched to keep her balance.

How far out into the traffic lane is that left leg going to stretch? Far enough for a car to run over it?

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