 By Pepper Parr
March 3. 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is when people can appear before those they have elected and have an open dialogue; an exchange of ideas and concerns that the democratic process works at its best and the way it was supposed to work.
Burlington is not there yet.
Back in 2010 when the Shape Burlington report was published, it was a document put together by former Mayor Walter Mulkewich and the late John Boich. Boich was very close to then Mayor Cam Jackson – he ran his 2010 election campaign.
Jackson created the advisory group to produce a report to take away some of the heat he was getting from disgruntled citizens who were beginning to realize there were real problems with the pier.
 Crane working at the pier site topples. Proves to be the point at which problems with the design became evident. By this time the crane accident had taken place and things were beginning to smell. Law suits were threatened and writs were issued and everyone was off to meet with a judge.
City hall found their collective noses were a little out of joint when the Shape Burlington report was given to Jackson. They felt the report had slammed them, if ever so slightly.
Many people were unhappy with the treatment they were getting from the office of the Clerk.
In the municipal world – the Clerk is a major player. Both the Mayor and the Clerk must together sign each by law that is passed by Council – without the signature of the Clerk – the bylaw isn’t legal.
 City Clerk Angela Morgan; has been with the city for more than 25 years. Doesn’t live in Burlington. Council cannot meet officially without the Clerk being in the room. In closed sessions it is the Clerk who is in place to keep everyone on the straight and narrow. The Gazette has it from more than one source that Burlington’s city Clerk has had to be quite vocal and direct with Council when it is in Closed Session in the past. The Clerk or the chair of the Standing Committee has to read out a statement setting out why a council or a committee is going into a Closed Session and then ensure that the discussion is directly relevant to the reason for going private.
Both city staff and Council members are sworn to secrecy but it is possible to put together a collection of comments to get a sense of how your Council behaves in closed sessions.
In a related article we write about the comments made by the WHO that recently completed an investigation into a complaint from the Burlington Waterfront Committee (BWF) on what did get discussed in a Closed Session on the sale of lake front land between Market and St. Paul Streets south of Lakeshore Road.
BWF people have delegated a number of times on this matter. That group of people is fortunate to have people who delegate very clearly and have their facts well set out. There was an unfortunate occasion when Gary Scobie was delegating on the sale of the Water Street property and Councillor Sharman asked how his Water Street views squared with his views on the Beachway.
Sharman had introduced a totally different subject and put Scobie off his stride. Fortunately for Sharman Scobie was too polite to call Sharman to account for that old political stunt of changing the subject
 Monte Dennis delegates frequently – ask him what he thinks of this council and the way it responds to delegations. Delegating is an art. The way people delegate in Burlington is set out in the procedural bylaw which most people aren’t even aware of. It is the Clerk’s job to ensure that the bylaw is enforced.
It should also be her job to take steps to ensure that the public is fully aware of the bylaw and take some initiative to ensure the public is educated.
Burlington’s Clerk focuses on enforcement.
Recently a long time Burlington resident wrote us about delegating – how it can be done to be effective
“I have had a delegation or two that was not on the agenda” our source said. “You have to ask or tell the Clerk that you want to speak, and what about. Do this with skill and thoughtfulness.”
Our source had delegated multiple times on a matter that he had put on the agenda. The individual reminded us that ”you were there, and eventually came to my house for a chat about it”.
“I was very insistent about my right to speak”, said the source “although you may have to wait for a meeting date if the next Committee meeting has a full agenda already. The web site directions for delegations allows for this, it’s just more trouble. You just have to push.
 Gary Scobie has delegated frequently; is always well prepared – but can seldom get this council to agree with some of the exceptionally good points he makes “I was told by an ex-mayor that they can’t just stop you, but it’s not straightforward as when you are speaking to an agenda item.
“It also helps to be imaginative about how what you want to say might fit into an existing agenda. For example, the just completed budget process provided an opportunity to position the issue as a budget accountability, business case matter, where the delegate would ask about how this expenditure would fit in.
“The Strategic Planning process might provide another item – the question being how does this property deal fit into the city strategic thinking, and what kind of business case was proposed.
“Imagination and tact, with rational evidence based arguments are needed. It takes time and planning.”
Indeed it does – but it can be done – and when done effectively changes can be made.
 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward used delegations to propel her way into public office. She is one of the few that probes and asks questions of the delegators. It is interesting to note that in Committee of the whole meetings, which are not broadcast, the dialogue between staff and council is very open and very healthy. There is mutual respect most of the time – not always.
That same level of respect isn’t nearly as evident when voters, taxpayers, the people to whom elected officials are accountable to – the same people who consistently say it is an honour and a privilege to serve the public.
Evidence of that honour and privilege is not evident at city hall much of the time.
Our source wrote the Gazette to comment on some of the comments that were appearing.
“I went back and looked at the story again’, he said “and saw that I had commented twice, both suggesting action on the part of the commenters.
“My take in both cases, and similar ones, is that the commenters don’t seem willing to call the mayor or Councillor, or whoever, to account for the issue raised. You have to go to city hall, as a delegation, and demand an explanation. That’s the only way to seek accountability. You have to call them out.”
“The commenters either can’t be bothered, are too lazy, or have no case. Or they like the system the way it is in case they get in power and can act the same unaccountable way.”
 By Mark Gillies
March 2, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Part oneof a four part feature.
John Waldie was born in Scotland in 1833 to James and Jessie Waldie. The family immigrated to Upper Canada in 1842 when John was nine years old. The family settled in Wellington Square, a village of about 400 residents. Nearby Port Nelson located at the foot of Guelph Line had about 60 residents.
 John Waldie was an incredible businessman and philanthropist. He was “The Father of Burlington” & “The Father of the Burlington Library”. James Waldie was a tailor, one of four tailors working in Wellington Square until 1852. In that same year James, Jessie and their young daughter Agnes moved to Huron County and purchased 100 acres of farmland. Their son John, then 19 decided to stay in Wellington Square. Little did John Waldie know in 1852; that one day he would amass a great fortune and his decisions would affect so many people.
 John Waldie’s general store located on the northeast corner of Lakeshore Road and John Street was the place to shop in Burlington for clothing and home furnishings. The store employed 12 clerks, and everyone was kept busy serving a large clientele. John had been employed as a store clerk for one year at the dry goods store of local businessman William Bunton. John was adept at business, and at 22 years of age in 1855, he purchased the business from Mr. Bunton. Not long after, John Waldie built a new store at the northeast corner of Lakeshore Road and John Street. The building is still there, with most of the historic features not visible to most.
 The “Azov” was a freight sailing ship that transported both wheat and timber. The vessel was owned by John Waldie and William Bunton.  In 1885, John Waldie’s sailing ship “Sweepstakes” sank in Big Tub Harbour at Tobermory. Today, this is Canada’s most famous dive site for ship wrecks. William Bunton and John Waldie continued working together in other business partnerships. Both men entered into the shipping business and owned two sailing vessels. They were called the “Azov” and the “Sweepstakes”. Bunton already owned one of the three wharves located at the foot of Brant Street, and these two ships transported local timber and wheat. The name “Sweepstakes” may be familiar to diving enthusiasts.
The ship was built at Wellington Square in 1867 and sank in Big Tub Harbour at Tobermory around September 3,1885. Today the ship is the most visited dive wreck in Canada.
 John Waldie and William Kerns were good friends, business partners and political foes. John was a Liberal, and William was a Liberal-Conservative. Both represented Halton County at different times. From 1866 to 1885 John had been in partnership with William Kerns. The store was sold to Kerns when John Waldie moved to Toronto and began the Victoria Harbour Lumber Company. In 1887 Waldie decided to enter federal politics as a Liberal candidate, and represent Halton County. The riding was held by William McCraney, a Liberal, and a wealthy lumber merchant, who won the seat in 1882 when Sir William McDougall, a Father of Confederation, decided to run in another riding. When McCraney decided not to run for a second term, his friend John Waldie decided to run for office in the 1887 election.
Waldie’s Conservative opponent was local merchant David Henderson. The vote was close, Waldie 2,222 votes; Henderson 2,213 votes. Up to this election, John Waldie had been very active in the local community.
For two years, John had been the Reeve of Nelson Township and was elected to become the first Reeve of the Village of Burlington in 1873
Burlington was the name selected to replace the names Wellington Square and Port Nelson.
It was John Waldie who was the “architect” for combining the two communities together. In 1877, it was reported, “Whether for good or evil, the fact of incorporation is due to Mr. Waldie”. I think it is quite fair to say, John Waldie is the “Father of Burlington”. In 1877 John Waldie then moved on politically and became the Warden of Halton County for two years, a forerunner of today’s Regional Chairman.
 David Henderson and John Waldie had a mutual respect for each other. Both men battled for the same federal riding of Halton County several times. John Waldie represented Halton County federally several times. His 1887 win was short lived, lasting only one year. Amidst allegations of bribery, a by-election was called, and David Henderson, a Conservative in 1888 won Halton County. John Waldie did not contest the seat. But Henderson also faced similar allegations of corruption, and another by-election was held, just six months into office.
This time Waldie and Henderson faced off for a second time. The election was close. Waldie 2,042 votes; Henderson 2,018 votes. The next election was in 1891, and the two were at it again. The vote was close, Henderson 2,441 votes; Waldie, 2,337 votes. Another by-election was called in 1892 and David Henderson was acclaimed. In the 1896 election, the two men squared off for the last time. The election was close, Henderson 2,460 votes; Waldie 2,376 votes.
 John Waldie while serving in Ottawa as the Liberal representative from Halton County, developed a close friendship with Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier. This friendship helped Waldie after he left office. John Waldie was also President of the powerful Lumbermen’s Association, and he lobbied on behalf of the lumber industry, fighting against unfair trading practices by the Americans. John Waldie’s political career had come to its conclusion. While in Ottawa, he did manage to make some great connections. One of his closest friends was Sir Wilfred Laurier.
John Waldie and his family moved from Burlington to Toronto in 1885, however they still regarded Burlington as home. It’s not that they wanted to move away; they had to move in order to properly develop his new Victoria Harbour Lumber Company.
 Historic Knox Presbyterian Church on Elizabeth Street was the recipient of custom made imported stained glass windows; a gift from philanthropist, John Waldie. John Waldie was a Presbyterian, and a member of historic Knox Presbyterian Church on Elizabeth Street. When you drive by the church, have a look at the beautiful stained glass windows. John Waldie had them manufactured in Scotland and brought them over as a gift for Knox Presbyterian Church.
John Waldie believed in reading as the best means to develop your learning capacity. In the very early 1900s, the Village of Burlington was having difficulty with establishing any kind of a library system. At the time, various residents would keep a small selection of books in their own homes, and area residents would drop by and borrow one or two books. The system was not working and in danger of closing. On hearing of this situation, John Waldie proposed a solution.
 The new Burlington Public Library opened its doors in 1906. The building and books were donated by philanthropist, John Waldie. The Public Library was located on Brant Street, where the City Hall is today. If the Village of Burlington could find some land, Waldie would build the library building, and donate it to the village. When the new facility opened in 1906, Mr. Waldie also stocked it with a donation of 6,000 books. I think it would also be accurate to call John Waldie, “The Father of the Burlington Library”.
By a deed dated 30 September 1888, The Greenwood Cemetery Company of Burlington purchased eight acres for $2,000. The Greenwood Cemetery Company was owned by John Waldie and they purchased the land from local market gardener James C. Filman for the purpose of establishing a cemetery. Block 50, a large block near the centre of the cemetery was purchased by John Waldie on 2 December 1889. Waldie’s parents, both Presbyterians, died in 1864 and 1868 and were buried in St. Luke’s Anglican Cemetery. Knox Presbyterian Church did not have a cemetery. These two burials motivated John Waldie into creating the Greenwood Cemetery Company.
 Sarah Ann Jarvis was just 29 years old when she married the widower John Waldie, who was 52 years of age. Sarah was to become a stepmother, since John was the father of 13 motherless children. On September 18, 1885, John Waldie, a widower married for a second time. The new bride was Sarah Ann Jarvis, who at 29 years of age was 23 years younger than John. Waldie’s wedding gift to his new wife, Sarah was a home located at 3265 Mayfair Place in Burlington.
 John Waldie purchased 3265 Mayfair Place as a wedding present in 1885 for his new bride Sarah Ann Jarvis. The residence was called “Erin” and the home still retains this name today. It was called “Erin”. Originally built in 1845 by Henry Sovereign, a United Empire Loyalist descendent, owned later by Moses Wilkins, then owned by John Waldie, this historic home has undergone several cosmetic alterations. The residence is located behind the Water Treatment plant on Lakeshore Road, but at one time the home sitting on a small hilltop commanded a beautiful view of Lake Ontario. The Henry Sovereign residence “Erin” is very similar to “Sovereign House” in Bronte; another historic home that was built in stages by fellow relative Charles Sovereign between 1825 and 1846. Today, the home is operated by the Bronte Historical Society and is used as a museum.
John Waldie died at 3:00 PM, June 12, 1907 at his residence “Glenhurst” located in the prestigious Rosedale area of Toronto. A week prior to his death Waldie suffered from bouts of violent coughing. Waldie, already in ill health, had a weakened heart and was unable to survive.
The funeral procession for John Waldie originated in Toronto. The Grand Trunk Railway with a special funeral train transported the mourners and coffin from Toronto to Burlington’s historic Freeman Train Station. The coffin was removed and transferred to a hearse provided by the Edgar Williamson Funeral Home on Brant Street.
 Edgar Williamson operated the local funeral home in Burlington. Today, we know it as Smith’s Funeral Homes. Mr. Williamson provided the horse-drawn hearse to carry the late Mr. Waldie from the Freeman Train Station to his final resting place in Greenwood Cemetery. The procession slowly made its way to Greenwood Cemetery traveling south on Brant Street, and turning right on to Water Street. Brant Street was lined with mourners as they paid their final respects to a favourite son. It wasn’t a state funeral, but it was visually overwhelming. At Mr. Waldie’s funeral, one of the many in attendance to pay respects to this great man was David Henderson, John Waldie’s political adversary. John Waldie, a self-made man, had returned home to his beloved Burlington for the last time.
My next article will be about John Waldie’s Victoria Harbour Lumber Company. This company made John Waldie one of Canada’s wealthiest men, and the second most powerful lumber baron in Canada.
Mark Gillies is a lifelong resident of Burlington, who grew up in Aldershot and developed as a local historian, researcher, master genealogist and writer who has a passionate interest and extensive knowledge of the many early pioneer families.
Mark will write a regular column about colourful local history introducing Burlingtonians to the people that made this city what it is today.
 By Pepper Parr
February 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Revised
For some reason the Burlington Beachway seems to be making the news
 The community used to straddle the railway line that ran beside the lake – it once had more than 200 homes. Today there are just 30 left and they aren’t at all interested in selling or moving.
Councillor Meed Ward was interviewed on Cogeco Community television and mention was made of the very unsatisfied residents who felt they were not going to ever see the true equity in their homes.
That led Cogeco reporter Krista Sharpe to getting out into the community with her camera and asking questions.
Sharpe met Helen Skinner who has very strong opinions on what the Region and the City are doing to the Beachway community and has never been at a loss for words.
Form your own opinion – listen to Cogeco.
 The Region budgeted as much as $400,000 to buy |Beachway homes – this one was sold for $600,000 with the owner given the right to remain in the building for two years. What the public hasn’t been told all that much about is the work going on within the Burlington Parks and Recreation department – they are the people doing at least the early part of the design work of the proposed park.
The Beachway issue is: what kind of a community does the public want? The public is vaguely aware that the Region is prepared to buy the homes and if what Craven has to say is true they are actively “courting”‘ those home owners – you could say they are picking them off one by one. What the general public really isn’t clued into is what will eventually happen to the Beachway if the Regional policy gets carried out.
Councillor Craven says the home owners are not being pushed out and that they have been kept fully informed – that’s not the view one gets from council candidate Katherine Henshell who says that because of the zoning and the prospect of homes being tied up in red tape – residents can’t find willing buyers – and that depresses the value of their homes.
Henshell argues that the only buyer is the Region
That might be the case but the Region estimated the houses could be bought for about $300,000 each – the most recent sale was for $600,000.
The Beachway situation has always been complex – do the views of Craven, Skinner and Henshell impact what you think?
 The Gazette’s Education reporter Walter Byj needed a reason to get out of the house – and as chilly as it was he braved the wind off the lake and snapped this picture of the waterfront looking east. The small structure on the left is Emma’s Back Porch.
 By Pepper Parr
February 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the largest permanently protected greenbelt in the world and looking to the future by reviewing the land use  plans of southern Ontario. The Greenbelt protects farmland, green space and clean water.
Our Escarpment is a part of this review.
The Province will hold public consultations, across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Greenbelt area, on the review of four provincial land use plans to grow the Greenbelt, protect prime agricultural land, build transit friendly communities and support economic development. The province will undertake a co-ordinated review of:
• The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
• The Greenbelt Plan
• The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
• The Niagara Escarpment Plan
In addition to public consultations, like town hall meetings, Ontarians will also be able to comment through the Environmental Registry.
 David Crombie, former Toronto Mayor and one of the best friends Burlington has seems pained at Mayor Goldring’s comments.fourth The review, which is expected to be complete by early 2016, will also benefit from the input of an expert advisory panel, chaired by David Crombie, former federal cabinet minister and former mayor of Toronto. Other panel members include:
Keith Currie, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Rae Horst, former CAO, Credit Valley Conservation Authority
John MacKenzie, Commissioner of Planning, City of Vaughan
Debbie Zimmerman, CEO, Grape Growers of Ontario
Leith Moore, Senior Vice President, Urban Fieldgate Homes
Having this review panel chair by David Crombie is good news for Burlington. Crombie has been a friend of the city for years and in the past has chided Burlington for not doing all that it could do to ensure there is a consistent Waterfront Trail.
Burlington recently agreed to sell of some prime waterfront property along the edge of Lake Ontario between Market and St, Paul Streets because it didn’t believe there was any real potential for a trail continuation in that part of the city.
 The Escarpment is what gives us a large part of our identity. While the waterfront isn’t within the mandate for a Greenbelt review it is the waterfront and the Escarpment that define this city.
Burlingtonians know that there are still bureaucrats within the Ministry of Transportation who want to push a road through that part of the city
Citizens are invited to make comment on the Environmental Registry. Click here to get to the Registry – and if you can make any sense of it – tell us how you did it.
 An Extreme Cold Weather Alert has been extended by the Halton Region Health Department for the overnight period on Friday night into Saturday morning, February 28. Temperatures will once again drop into the extreme cold range during the overnight period on Saturday night into Sunday morning, March 1. This alert is issued when temperatures are expected to fall below -15 degrees Celsius (without wind-chill), or when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure. The alert is intended to inform the general public and community agencies and recommend precautions. This alert is in effect until temperatures rise above –15 degrees Celsius (without wind-chill) or weather conditions improve and the risks involved with prolonged exposure are reduced.
By Pepper Parr
February 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
City hall has announced the closing date for nominations for a BEST AWARD. It is April 7, 2015
There are a number of categories – all have merit.
What the awards don’t have is an acceptable level of transparency which tarnishes what is an important program that recognizes individual effort to better the community.
Last year there were a number of nominees whose names were put forward by either their spouses, partners or parents.
This is what fan clubs do.
 An award given by a community with the nomination coming from people who have taken the time to think about who they want to recommend is a true award. When Mom fills in the form and sends it in – it just isn’t quite the same.
The prestige behind the award is paramount to its usefulness. To be a true award with value there can and perhaps should be years when an award is not given.
This city keeps telling anyone with two ears that we are “the best mid-sized city in Canada” There is an opportunity with the Burlington Best awards to begin to behave like one.
There have been comments in the past about people who have “’gamed” the nomination and used the award to start a political career.
In 2011 a small group of people had gathered in the foyer space outside the Council chamber at city hall to talk about John Boich’s health. It was not good and he died several weeks later.
One of the group said to the others” I want to nominate John for an award – the rest of the group immediately agreed and collectively they put together the documents.
John was named the Citizen of the Year several hours before he died in 2011.
The terms of reference for the Awards committee appear to have a sunset date of 2006 – they need an update.
The following are the awards given by the city.
• ARTS PERSON of the Year: An individual who has contributed to the arts in Burlington as an artist, patron or advocate including but not limited to, visual arts, media arts, musical arts, performing arts and literary arts.
• Citizen of the year: A person whose volunteer activity has made a significant and sustained contribution to the vibrancy and wellbeing of the Burlington community.
• Junior Citizen of the year: A high school student, 18 years or younger who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
• Senior Citizen of the year: A person, 55 years or older who has advocated on behalf of seniors and/or made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
• Environmental Award: An individual or group that improved and/or protects Burlington’s environment.
• Community Service Award: An individual or group whose volunteer activity has contributed to the betterment of the Burlington community.
• Heritage Award: An individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of Burlington’s heritage, and has volunteered their time in an effort to support the preservation of Burlington’s heritage.
There are people who have done some incredible service for both the city and its citizens. Forms and background on the procedures can be found HERE
 By Pepper Parr
February 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you can get yourself over to the Central Library on Sunday the 8th of March you will have a chance to meet one of those old timers who has done it all but doesn’t know quite how to hang up his spurs.
 Sandy Thomson recalling some history for Burlington |Gazette reporter Walter Byj Sandy Thomson, the great-great grandson of Captain George Thomson, a Berwick, England native who was the Burlington Beach Canal’s lighthouse keeper and diarist for 29 years in the 1800’s has produced a short film on the lighthouse.
The diaries became the base documents for the short film that Sandy and his small film crew have completed.
The diaries were preserved and are at the Brant Museum along with the lenses from the lighthouse.
Sandy Thomson still drives a motorcycle and has a small film operation – Cine 16 that keeps him busy.
 The Burlington canal lighthouse
The original Burlington Canal Lighthouse and Light station were built in 1838 to guide ships into Hamilton Harbour. The current stone structure as it stands today was built in 1858 and sits adjacent to the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge under the Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway.
The Burlington Canal Lighthouse Group (BCLG) is a non-profit organization formed by Hamilton and Burlington community members to preserve the Burlington Canal Lighthouse and Lightstation. Current member of the BCLG, Sandy Thomson says, “It is important to preserve the lighthouse that has both historical and educational importance. Other lighthouses have been restored on the Great Lakes and this is the only one left to be restored on Lake Ontario.”
 Captain Sandy Thomson at the wheel of a Russian tug Thomson is the owner of marine-parts manufacturer, Thordon Bearings, in Burlington. He provides innovative products to the marine industry around the world. While building a market for his propeller shaft bearings, Thomson captained a Russian steam tugboat, Rudokop, and toured all the major ports in Europe in the 1990-2000’s promoting Thordon’s propeller shaft and rudder bearings to ship owners and shipyards in the Baltic, North, Mediterranean and Black Seas.
“My great-great grandfather maintained the lighthouse for those vessels entering Hamilton Harbour on those dark and stormy nights, and as a former sea-captain, I can appreciate what a welcome sight that light is”.
The video will be shown during the BCLG’s general meeting at the Burlington Central Library on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 2:00pm. The public and new members are welcome!
 By Pepper Parr
February 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was back in 2011 when newly elected Mayor Rick Goldring told a Chamber of Commerce crowd during his very first State of the City address that Burlington had been advised that it had to raise $60 million dollars from its taxpayers and that the Burlington Hospital Foundation had to come up with an additional $60 million
 An architects rendering of the new entrance to the Joseph Brant Hospital which will now face the lake. The entrance will be off Lakeshore Road with the new parking garage to the west of the hospital. The city manager Jeff Fielding, who was hired some time later, told Council that was the biggest amount of money Burlington has ever had to raise.
The hospital foundation announced earlier this week that “Together, as a community, we raised an incredible $2 million from September – December 2014, in response to the Michael Lee-Chin & Family Community Matching Challenge. As a result the Lee-Chin Family added a matching million dollars.
The Joseph Brant Foundation is sincerely grateful to Mr. Lee-Chin for challenging us to achieve a new milestone in our campaign, and to every donor who participated and made the decision to support the building of the new Joseph Brant Hospital.
Construction plans are proceeding on schedule with a public meeting to be held in March to view the final site plan.
The parking garage which was the first phase of the redevelopment of the hospital has been completed and is now in full operation.
The Halton McMaster Family Clinic is also open and is winning awards for design excellence.
 By Pepper Parr
February 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
This was the 19th time former MP and Member of the Privy Council Paddy Tourney held her event for younger woman in Burlington. It was a sold out – not the first time that has happened.
Each year Torsney sponsors a breakfast and brings in a speaker to talk about woman’s issues.
There are men in the room – but they are vastly outnumbered. The room – usually at the Holiday Inn – always has a buzz to it. The buzz at a women’s event is always quite different than when it is mostly men gathered.
 Burlington’s Paddy Torsney being Paddy Torsney While Torsney would like the ticket price to cover all the costs – it never quite works out that way. What she does is look for corporations or individuals who will take a table and cover the cost for young woman to attend the event.
Torsney is currently the International Parliamentary Union Permanent representative at the United Nations in New York – where she advocates for the IPU and comes to terms with living in New York City.
 Dr. Catherine Zahn talks to students about the importance of completing their education. These high school students attending this annual event are at that stage in life when values and choices are being formed. This year Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, spoke about the importance of mentoring and the changing view the public is developing about mental health.
Dr. Zahn is advocates strongly for making mental health part of the health system. “The divisiveness between communities and hospitals is not doing anything for anyone” she asserted and pointed out that it is time for more in the way of both resources and an understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues.
 Elizabeth Small, on the left, was recognized for her success in being trained as a construction worker. Zhan shifted back and forth between the importance of young women finding the mentors they need and the changing public view of mental health issues.
There was a time she said that literally and metaphorically people with mental health issues were shut away and we knew nothing about them.
That day is gone – but Zahn doesn’t believe that we are yet at the point where mental health is understood and appreciated for what it is across the public health spectrum.
 Students from Corpus Christ attend the women’s breakfast. She seemed to feel that we are much further along with women experiencing the equality they are entitled to – however she is quick to point to the huge income disparity between men and women.
Zahn suggested that the solution to getting a stronger understanding and acceptance of mental health issues is to treat it the way the fight to beat cancer was waged. “Make it an issue and focus on the impact mental health has on not just the individual but the families involved and the larger community” she said.
There is a shortage of professional’s in the mental health field – without the investment in these professionals we will not make any advances” said Zahn.
“I am very optimistic both about the changes taking place in the opportunities for young woman today and the advances we can make in the treatment of  mental health” she added.
Torsney made the point with her comment to the younger audience when she said: “You are a different generation; things that are obvious to you were not obvious to us”.
You could almost feel the torch being passed from one generation to the next.
By Pepper Parr
February 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
With the budget in place and a new city manager hired, Council is now going to turn its mind to the Strategic Plan.
The Plan is a document that gets put together by a city council early in its term.
Four years ago, what was a council with three new members, took on the task of doing a real Strategic Plan. In the past the Strat Plan was often not much more than a collection of pictures.
The new blood on the 2010 Council brought energy and insight to the process.
It was a solid effort during which some serious divides in the thinking on just how the city should grow revealed themselves.
 Gerogina Black, the KPMG facilitator who took Council through their 2011 Strategic Plan exercise had a soft spot for Councillor – the feeling was mutual. Some good work was done in 2011 KPMG facilitator Georgina Black did a superb job of leading the group through 11 half day sessions. What Black learned very quickly was that the group did not have a BHAG – most didn’t know what a BHAG was. Part of the purpose behind the developing of a Strategic Plan is to look at the bigger picture and think big.
Some in Burlington might shudder at the idea of thinking big – visions of the pier debacle come into their minds.
A BHAG Black explained was a Big Hairy Audacious Goal – thinking outside the box and seeing over the hill and into the future.
Burlington often seems like a place that lets itself be defined by its geography – the Escarpment and the waterfront – with not that much in between
With four years under their collective belts Council can be expected to take a much different approach to what it wants to set out as its next plan.
This time around the city will have a city manager who has some significant depth in planning – expect that to make a difference.
What will also make a difference is the now much clearer political divide of this council. The role the Mayor is going to play, or not going to play, will be interesting to watch.
In 2011 Mayor Goldring had a Chief of Staff who is a very strong strategic thinker – Frank McKeown is no longer with the Mayor – he runs the Economic Development Corporation and can be expected to bring forward the views of that organization and not be the Mayor’s thinker.
 Frank McKeown, then the Mayors Chief of Staff explains a concept to Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman during the development of the 2011 Strategic Plan. McKeown was described as the 7th council member during the Strategic Plan sessions. This time around he will speak for the economic development corporation
The city has a panel of a couple of hundred people that it runs ideas past; they call it the Insight Panel. It is a program the city signed up for at a cost of $100,000 a year for three years. They recently asked for some response to a clutch of questions related to the development of a Strategic plan.
At the end of the survey they provided a chart summarizing the views of the people who had completed the survey. It did not bode well for the starting point of the 2015 Strategic Plan development process.
 The responders were people being asked what they thought and felt about how the city was doing with its Strategic Plan. Clearly council has its work cut out for themselves when they create the next four year Strategic Plan
The city is updating its strategic plan, checking in to make sure the plan will take our city where we all want to go.
In the introduction to the survey staff explained “it is designed to ask what you think about city services, whether you feel engaged, priority identification and how you want to hear from the city.” They are certainly hearing – are they listening.
The city website has a section devoted to the Strategic Plan. In that section they set out where they are at this point in time and what they expect the roll out of the process will be.
“With the new term of council, the city is updating its strategic plan, keeping the major elements while making adjustments based on new and emerging realities, demands and challenges. We are taking a close look at what strategic priorities have been finished, which need to be started and what we should add or change” says the website
“The 2015-18 City of Burlington strategic plan will build on past success while reaching for future goals. This is your strategic plan. It is your chance to tell council what’s important to you.”
Strategic Plan roll out schedule:
 Then city manager Roman Martiuk leads staff and council members through the development of an idea. Stage 1 – May to Dec 2014
Project Initiation: Getting started on the 2015-18 strategic plan
- Planning meetings and workshops
- Early stages of public engagement
STATUS: Complete
Stage 2 – Nov. 2014 to April 2015
Background and Data Gathering: Opportunities to have your say
- Telephone survey (Completed)
- Online survey –
- Kitchen table talks/Group workbook – coming soon
- Create the tagline – coming soon
STATUS: Happening now
 There were so many pages of thoughts and idea created when the 2011 Strategic |Plan was being created – every available space got put to use. Stage 3 – May to June 2015
Developing the Plan
- Review of council, staff and community input
- Creation of a draft strategic plan
STATUS: Spring 2015
Stage 4 – June 2015
Validation of the Draft Plan: Making sure we got it right
- Public and staff input into the draft plan
- Revising and refining the draft plan
STATUS: Spring/Summer 2015
 Staff played a full and significant role in the development of the 2011 Strategic Plan Stage 5 – July 2015
Plan Approval: Final version of the draft strategic plan to City Council
STATUS: Summer 2015
Stage 6 – Ongoing
Review, refinement and Update of the Plan
- Report back to the community on how we’re doing (Community Report)
- Meet quarterly to ensure the plan is on track
STATUS: Four times a year
By Staff
February 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The province has announced that youth in Ontario can now apply for summer jobs.
 Ontario’s Summer Jobs programs, in place since 2004, has helped almost 1,100,000 students find summer jobs, start businesses and access employment services. Each year, the programs help more than 100,000 students and youth:
• Find a summer job through Employment Ontario or community agencies.
• Get help with résumé writing and preparing for interviews.
• Apply for funding to start their own summer businesses.
• Gain experience working with the Ontario government.
For more information click HERE. for details on year-round programs to help youth under 30 build skills, start a business, or find a job.
Helping young people get work experience is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Ontario is offering employers a $2-per-hour hiring incentive to hire summer students.
In the media release the province provides two additional websites with additional information. They seem to be saying the same thing – but do you research and learn as much as you can. There are some very interesting jobs – got get em!
Employment for people under 30
General government employment information
 By Staff
February 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Following a police investigation, the Halton Regional Police arrested Robert SPEARING (47) of Hamilton after he allegedly defrauded an elderly couple of $5500.00.
In September 2014, an elderly couple hired Spearing to complete some home renovations. At the time of the alleged offences, Spearing misrepresented himself as a certified gas technician.
Robert SPEARING (47) faces two charges of Fraud Over $5,000 and Making a False Statement in Writing. He was held for bail and will appear in the Milton Provincial Court on Thursday February 26th, 2015.
Police believe there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone who may have been victimized to report the matter to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Seniors Crime Investigator D/Cst Nada Jovic at 905 825 4747 Ext 2344.
By Pepper Parr
February 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you ever wanted to know how networking is done effectively – read on. Regional Chair Gary Carr along with members of Regional Council spent three days meeting with Provincial leaders in Toronto to discuss critical issues facing Halton Region at the annual conference for the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA).
“The Provincial Places to Grow Act mandates that Halton Region’s population must grow to 780,000 by the year 2031,” said Gary Carr, Halton’s Regional Chair. “To ensure that taxpayers are not responsible for the cost of growth, there are a number of critical supports including long-term funding and legislative amendments which are required from both the Provincial and Federal Governments.”
Chair Carr and a Regional delegation consisting of Mayor Rick Bonnette, Town of Halton Hills; Stephen Tanner, Chief of Police; Regional Councillors Colin Best, Allan Elgar and Sean O’Meara and Regional Councillor and Second Vice President for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Clark Somerville, met with the following Provincial leaders:
 Ted McMeekin, the Liberal Cabinet to the west of Burlington is often the go to guy when Burlington needs help. • Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ted McMeekin to discuss creating affordable housing solutions and conforming to Provincial growth legislation.
• Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, to discuss Halton’s community infrastructure needs now and for the future.
• Attorney General, Madeline Meilleur, to discuss Halton’s immediate need for court resources and infrastructure including enhancements to Legal Aid funding.
• Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Glen Murray, to discuss adapting and responding to climate change.
• Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and Burlington MPP, Eleanor McMahon, to discuss Conservation Authority funding and approval.
 Halton Regional Service chief of police Steve Tanner was part of the delegation – did the Region need the muscle to make their point? • Ontario NDP Caucus Members, Cindy Forster, MPP and Municipal Affairs and Housing Critic and Community and Social Services Critic, Catherine Fife, MPP and Finance and Treasury Board Critic, Jagmeet Singh, MPP and Government and Consumer Services Critic and Attorney General Critic to discuss an overview of the issues facing Halton Region.
• Interim Ontario PC Party Leader, Jim Wilson and Ernie Hardeman, MPP, to discuss an overview of the issues facing Halton Region.
• Minister of Heath and Long-Term Care, Dr. Eric Hoskins, to discuss cost-sharing for Public Health programs and services, ambulance off-loading delays and enhancements to the Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC).
During the ROMA OGRA Conference Premier Kathleen Wynne addressed municipal leaders, as did the PC Interim Party Leader, Jim Wilson and Ontario NDP Leader, Andrea Horwath.
“Meeting with Provincial leaders allows Halton Region to reiterate the importance of a continued partnership with the Province to address the many pressures we are facing as a result of mandated growth,” added Chair Carr. “We will continue to advocate for change from all levels of government in order to ensure that residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life in Halton Region.”
 Burlington’s MPP Eleanor McMahon took part in the three day networking event at Queen’s Park – she was the only voice from Burlington: was she loud enough – and if not loud was she effective enough? Through the support of Regional Council, Halton Region has developed an Advocating for a Strong Halton campaign which identifies specific needs and requirements from the Provincial and Federal governments.
Carr, who was once Speaker of the Legislature at Queen’s Park knows his way around that building. Does he know it well enough to pull out the dollars that are going to be needed to manage the growth the province is calling for?
And is Burlington going to see enough of whatever Carr gets to manage its growth?
 By Staff
February 24, 2015
PITTSBURGH, PA
The University of Pittsburgh’s second go-around at the ACC Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships couldn’t have gone any better for Dani des Tombe , a Nelson high graduate.
 University of Pittsburgh Senior Dani des Tombe and |Nelson high graduate in the water Overall, 14 student-athletes appeared in 21 finals competitions including two A Finals, five B Finals, 11 C Finals and three diving finals.
FREESTYLE
Senior Dani des Tombe (Burlington, Ontario/Nelson) in the 500 free (4:51.47) swam in the C Final, placing fifth (21st overall) and seventh (23rd), respectively with season-best times.
des Tombe was also the team’s only participant in the 200 free as she put forth a sixth-place (22nd) time of 1:49.55.
 By Pepper Parr
February 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The budget was done – out came the rubber stamp – but they didn’t use it. There were a couple of minor amendments.
There was one delegation – the Marsden’s saying they had researched James Ridge the new manager and they approved of him.
City taxes for Burlington home owners will increase 3.64% over what they were last tear.
 Dennison, on the left, explaining the budget to a resident. Dennison felt the revenue side of the budget could have been increased by $400,000. The decision to adopt the budget was not unanimous – Councilor Dennison had wanted to add two revenue items – each worth $200,000 to the budget. His colleagues didn’t agree with him – so Jack decided he would not vote for the budget.
The city media release calls the 2015 operating budget one with a continued focus on ensuring cost effective service delivery, strategic investment in infrastructure and additional funding to address climate change events such as the ice storm and August 2014 flood.
2015 marks the first time the budget has been presented in a new service-based budget approach. Budget highlights include:
Aligning existing service delivery costs with inflation.
Not sure how an increase of 3.64% is described as aligned with inflation which is currently less than 2%
An additional $1.745 million of funding dedicated to the renewal of the city’s aging infrastructure
$4.5 million of funding for flood mitigation measures
$900,000 to expand transit service and increase support for Heritage, the Sound of Music Festival and the Art Gallery of Burlington.
“This budget is based on services rather than by departments. It gives a more transparent view of how tax dollars are invested and that is significant,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “Once again, staff and City Council have found a way to balance the excellent quality of life we enjoy in Burlington with the long-term financial planning we rely on, all the while keeping taxes competitive with other municipalities.”
The Mayor chose not to mention that the twenty year forecast has tax increases at the 4% level for a long time.
The 2015 Budget includes a 3.64 per cent increase in the city’s portion of property taxes. When combined with Halton Region and the boards of education, the overall property tax increase is 2.06 per cent or $18.08 for each $100,000 of residential urban assessment.
That statement is true – but it is also very misleading. Burlington has zero impact on the education budget – that is set by the province. Burlington’s director of finance gets a number from the province and is told how much to collect and where to send it.
 Not much different with the Region. Burlington sends seven people to the 21 member Regional Council. We have input, we have some sway – but not as much as Oakville, even though they have the same number of representatives on the Regional Council – they are just much more effective than the Burlington members.
Burlington’s city council is responsible for Burlington’s budget and it is that on which their performance should be measured.
It is confusing to give out a number that is not ours.
They used to call a person who gave out misleading information a “flim flam” man.
Telling people the tax increase is 2.08% more than it was the previous year is true – but we can’t take credit for that. We are responsible for the 3.64 % increase in our own spending.
By Staff
February 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
As drug busts go in the Region it was a big one.
The Burlington Strategic Support Team of the Regional Police concluded a drug trafficking investigation that resulted in four arrests and the execution of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants at two Burlington residences.
• 2350 ml (2.35 Litres) gammahydroxybrutyrate –commonly known as GHB,
• 2497 grams of marihuana (approximately 2.5 kilograms).
• 143 marihuana plants,
• $2690.00 in cash.
 The police know what a photo op is all about – question is did the politicians teach the police or was it the other way around. The drugs have an estimated street value of $ 166,690.
The following persons have been charged:
Robert Hegedus (41 yrs) of Burlington (Held for Bail)
• Trafficking a controlled substance (marihuana),
• Cultivation of a controlled substance (marihuana),
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking,
• Possession of a controlled substance (GHB – gammahydroxybrutyrate) for the purpose of trafficking.
Edina Hededus (30 yrs) of Burlington (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on March 24th 2015)
• Cultivation of a controlled substance (marihuana),
• Possession of a controlled substance, (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking,
• Possession of a controlled substance (GHB – gammahydroxybrutyrate) for the purpose of trafficking,
• Breach of probation.
Matthew Robilliard (21 yrs) of Burlington (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on March 24th 2015)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking.
Trenton Ascah (18 yrs) of Burlington (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on March 24th 2015)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking.
 By Staff
February 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON.
Don’t call his bluff.
Mayor Goldring has taken up the challenge put out Bfast — Burlington for Accessible Sustainable Transit – challenging all members of Burlington City Council to take city transit to commute to work for five days by March 28.
 Mayor Goldring will be more bundled up than this next Thursday as he takes the bus to work. Does he have a Presto card to use? The Mayor is the first member of Council to accept the challenge from Bfast and will take Burlington Transit to and from City Hall for five days over the course of a month. He encourages other residents to join the challenge and share their experiences.
One can only hope that the Mayor will lean on his colleagues and create a situation that has every member of Council talking transit to work.
The inevitable photo opportunities were pointed out to the media. The Mayor will be available at the bus stop and on the bus en route to downtown Burlington. Interview opportunities available on the bus and following arrival at the John Street terminal.
The mayor will share his experience using Burlington Transit on Twitter at @RickGoldring, on his Facebook page at Mayor Rick Goldring and on his blog at www.burlingtonmayor.com.
Talk about media hype – this is way over the top
The golly gosh gee whiz interview on a bus with the Mayor is a not to be missed event. You will find the Mayor at the downtown transit terminal (the one the city was going to decommission and have people walking to city hall to buy tickets)
This momentous occasion – could it be described as “miraculous” or is that word reserved for budget meetings that get done in less than four hours?
 Mayor Goldring lice on Wicklow Road. He has several streets to walk along to get to the bus stop. Will he wear his chain of office ti let people know that he is the Mayor on his way to work? The first transit trip is going to take place Thursday, Feb. 26. Media have been invited to join the mayor at 8:15 a.m. to take the Number 10 New-Maple bus that will leave the north side of New Street at Tipperary Avenue (8:18 a.m.) and travel to the Downtown Transit Terminal at 430 John St. where it should arrive at 8:25 a.m.
This is such a big deal that Director of Burlington Transit Mike Spicer might be at the wheel himself – nope that won’t happen – he isn’t a member of the union
We assume the Mayor is going to walk to the bus stop and not has someone in his family drive him The map below shows the distanced His Worship will have to walk. What if it is as bitterly cold as it has been today?
Mayor Goldring is out to prove that: – wait for it – Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive.
 By Staff
February 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Expect to see the Councillor for ward 1 on a street corner in Aldershot as soon as the weather warms up enough.
Rick Craven has gotten his community, the city and one of his more important election campaign donours to come together and raise the funds for some “public” art that will improve the look of Aldershot.
 Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven is shameless when it comes to promoting Aldershot. If there is just one thing that Councillor Craven does – that is improve the look of Plains Road. Many will disagree with some of his thinking and the policies he promotes but you can’t take away from the guy his continued efforts to make Plains Road a nicer looking road.
And one has to give him credit – he has come up with some impressive results.
 The art selected will be placed on city owned land adjacent to the Jazz project now under development on Plains Road. “Residents of Aldershot Village have been working together to create a great neighbourhood for decades. Recent efforts to improve Plains Road have made significant progress towards increased pedestrian access and beautification of the street. To compliment this work, an exciting new public art project is now taking shape.
“Driven by the community, this project is an innovative partnership between local residents, businesses and the City of Burlington. The public art installation will help to beautify Plains Road and create a year-round neighbourhood hub for all to enjoy.
“The artwork will be located adjacent to the Branthaven Homes’ Jazz condominiums, engaging Plains Road and the neighbourhood.
“An open competition will be held to get proposals from professional artists from across Canada. Three short-listed designs will be selected for public viewing and comment. A community jury comprised of local residents, business owners and artists will select the winning design.
“The artwork will be installed in the summer/fall of 2016 along with a community celebration and artwork unveiling!
“To make this project a reality, a fundraising target of $75,000 has been set. The City of Burlington, Branthaven Homes, Aldershot Village BIA and Plains Road Village Vision have already raised $60,000. We are now reaching out to corporate sponsors and community members for the final 20%.
Their goal is to raise $5,000 through an Indiegogo campaign. 100% of all donations will go towards the artwork commission. All donations over $25 will be issued a tax receipt from the City of Burlington. With is bitterly cold weather people must be saving a bundle on those expense lattes they don’t get out to buy. Click HERE and send some of that saved cash to help fund this initiative.
The mission of the City of Burlington’s Public Art Program is to enhance the quality of life in Burlington through the rich context of the arts. The program strives to bring artwork by both established and emerging artists to the city centre and the neighbourhoods throughout Burlington, Ontario. The Public Art Program provides cultural opportunity, guides the evolution of a vibrant artistic character for the City’s emerging public places, and ensures a visual legacy for all to enjoy.
Jeremy Freiburger of Cobalt Connects advises on the public art program for the city and is facilitating this program.
The art selected will be placed on a piece of property adjacent to the Jazz project owned by the city.
 By Staff
February 23, 2015
BURLINGTON,ON
The good people at The Different Drummer bring you this news with their apologies.
As a result of the extreme cold weather alert, our event planned for this evening at the Central Library with Paula Todd will be rescheduled. We will be in touch when we have all the details.
Todd was going to give a talk on her most recent book: Cyber Mean
Ian Elliot is very sorry for any inconvenience and will refund all ticket purchases.
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